San Diego artist Wade Harb experiments with oil and plaster on steel, aluminum, copper, wood, and canvas to create contemporary images that have the look and feel of something long lost and discovered at an archeological dig. These works are infused with earthy colors and textures that appear almost fossilized in their intricate folds and details. Wade works with colors that are mute and organic; colors that abound in nature. Viewers are asked to touch the works to get an appreciation of the tactile nature of the surfaces. 

RUMINATION
materials: steel, aluminum, copper, wood, canvas, 
plaster, pigment. 

inclination: experimentation with these various materials has created this body of work. casting plaster on a variety of substrates, i create a sculpture of sorts. pigment follows with as many as twenty layers of oil. the outcome is abstract, yet i strive to create images that are organic and antique like, as if recently unearthed from civilizations past. the colors are earthen, the textures fossilized, a sculptural image emerges thick and deep. the composition can be spontaneous and often not intended but improvised; as if it comes from a place absent of reason where only spirits live. i often stare at the product of my work not sure how i was involved. yet i know i am compelled to do this over and over again in all its agony, dissonance, contradiction, and extreme frustration. and, i know the outcome i allow will be a settling of all these elements. to share this with but one who sneaks a glimpse of where i’ve been is truly magical.

Wade’s work is in many private and corporate collections.

EDUCATION
B.A. Economics, University California San Diego

COLLECTIONS
Artes Medical Corporate Offices
Clearview Medical Center

EXHIBITIONS
2008 “Gender Narratives” with Michele K. Goodwin, Patrick Moore Gallery, San Diego, CA
2007 Crossroads Contemporary Gallery, Santa Fe, NM
2007 “Primal Signs” a two person show with Brad Burkhart, 
Bard Hall Gallery, First
Unitarian Universalist Church of San Diego, San Diego, CA
2004 COVA Open Studios Tour, San Diego, CA