Artist Profile Josh Urso

Artist Statement

As a contemporary sculptor, I specialize in concrete, stone, paint, and various pigments. My sculpture represents a fascination with process and the immediacy of cast concrete, but also a desire to create monumental forms out of commonplace materials. On a formal level, I have always been intrigued with breaking the geometric form with the fluid line. This can be seen in my work through the ornamental and symbolic cracking of the overall form.

In the natural world, the inherent qualities of materials and the strata of geology inspire me. I seek to recreate and convey the beauty of rock and soil through the use of concrete, stone, and color. My inspiration comes not only from the macro of canyons and riverbeds but also the micro of dried mud and aggregate. I hope to preserve my personal memory of encounters with these elements, even as erosion, climate change, and other natural and humanmade forces erase them.

In the ever-changing urban and suburban landscape, constant renewal and transformation reshape neighborhoods through gentrification and development. My sculpture reflects this urban flux, capturing both the uncertainty and regeneration of our surroundings. Through monolithic yet cracked forms, I explore the tension between stability and transformation, celebrating the raw beauty of the imperfect while encouraging reflection on our journey through an evolving world.

With a focus on imperfections, my work challenges the gaze of the viewer. It is a commentary on the vulnerability of our natural and manufactured environments and a reminder of the weight of living under the pressure of constant development. By engaging viewers in these dual narratives—beauty and vulnerability—I strive to evoke a sense of both awe and urgency, inspiring a deeper connection to our world and its significance.

Artist Biography

Josh Urso, a contemporary sculptor based in Jersey City, NJ, specializes in working with concrete, stone, and various pigments. Before delving into sculpture, he studied engineering and product design at Carnegie Mellon University. After graduation he owned and operated Josh Urso Design, a furniture and lighting design business for over two decades before pursuing sculpture full time. His background in producing functional objects and his familiarity with manufacturing processes instilled in him a love of materials and a drive to explore purely sculptural forms. His work is inspired by the natural world, the urban environment, the inherent qualities of materials, and his desire to create monumental forms. As seen in all his pieces, he has been fascinated with breaking the geometric form with the fluid line and exploring the complex notion of beauty.

Josh’s sculptures are versatile and suitable for both indoor and outdoor installations such as sculpture gardens, landscapes, and public spaces. Each piece can be customized to fit specific site dimensions, making them ideal for commissioned projects.

STUDIO