ARTWORK

Welcome

Jay Wallace produces prints depicting modern urban ruins with buildings reminiscent of battered book covers whose pages are filled with insight. Wallace approaches ruins as an urban archeologist studying the remains of past human life and activities.

Wallace was born in Provo, Utah in 1973 and raised on a small apple and cherry orchard in Orem where he learned the value of hard work and cooperation. Wallace’s parents encouraged his creative endeavors and took Jay to many historical sites during his formative years. Wallace undertook architecture and drafting courses prior to earning a degree in Graphic Design at Utah Valley University. Wallace experienced the printing industry’s evolution from traditional film layouts to digital design during his 15-year career in commercial printing at Rocky Mountain Printing. Following a recession in commercial printing, Wallace turned to the fine art of printmaking and received his BFA in Design and Illustration from Utah Valley University. Wallace is currently a third year MFA candidate at the University of South Dakota. Jay has exhibited nationally and internationally.

Wallace’s early prints documented forgotten history of Orem and the disappearance of the orchards. He used experimental methods, printing entirely on muslin and hand painting in oils. Today, Wallace continues to reflect on the spirit of place, finding personal connections and ties to society. Wallace’s graduate work documents the transmogrification of Motor City and highlights this change through layering traditional and modern digital techniques.

Jay currently resides in Vermillion, South Dakota with his wife and six children. He enjoys keeping current with the latest processes in printmaking, discovering new places, spending time outdoors, and building things. His latest interests include aquaponics and clean energy sources.