Joe Standart
Standart began his career working for the National Park Service in Alaska, where he spent 2 years fording rivers, climbing mountains, and fighting off bears and mosquitoes, while documenting the last frontier.
Upon opening a 7,000 sq. ft. 5th Avenue studio in the heart of NYC, he quickly teamed with Martex, and initiated their legendary campaign of the early and mid 80's. His list of clients reads like a who's who of interior and home, corporate, and travel clients. Joe has sustained a successful commercial career spanning nearly 30 years-- a testament to his versatility and expert skill.
Among the most impressive of Joe's work are his print & TV campaigns for Viking Range. Viking has teamed with Standart for nearly a decade to create their complex and dramatic interiors, showcasing as many as 12 products in each set.
In 2004, Standart developed an outlet to explore the ways he, as a photographer, could use his skills to connect with individuals and communities on a personal level. His modest quest turned into the national public art initiative, Portrait of America, which has been featured in the The New York Times, The Boston Globe, Associated Press, Photo District News, ABC News, NPR Radio, Public Television and other national media.
He began the series in New London, Connecticut in 2004. By mounting an exhibition of monumental portraits of the city's residents throughout pubic spaces in the downtown area, Standart transformed the city into an outside gallery in which fine art was accessible to all. The project had quite an impact on New London-- It was seen by over 700,000 people, and drew extensive positive press helping to establish the city's reputation as an up and coming center for the arts.
The Portrait exhibitions hold a mirror up to a community to reveal what's already there---the inherent dignity and promise of its people. Joe intends to initiate projects in cities throughout the North, South, East and West. Exhibition themes will include home, work, play, and the land. To learn more about Portrait of America, please visit www.portraitofamerica.org and www.portraitofamericablog.org.