Artist Bio
J.Wray is a multidisciplinary artist and maker based in Philadelphia. Working in painting, printmaking, ceramics, and fiber arts, their art explores themes of environmentalism and the human form. J.Wray places importance on the materials they use, collecting found materials and ‘trash’ as art making supplies.
They were a Fob Holder at Second State Press in Philadelphia in the summer and fall of 2024. In the summer of 2024, J was an Artist in Residence at Star Island, where they led plein air painting workshops.
Artist Statement
I am a Philadelphia based artist and maker. I have a bachelors of science from Lafayette College in mechanical engineering, with a minor in studio art. My passion for science informs my art practice. I enjoy microscopy and am inspired by the structures and shapes I see in local pond samples or cross sections of plants from my garden. Another way I incorporate science into my work is through the theme of environmentalism. In my process, I consider the environmental impact of my art making and incorporate second-hand materials, trash, and found objects.
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I am a non-binary, transgender, queer, and disabled artist. Through my artmaking I explore my own identity, how I want to engage with the world, and how the world engages with me. I have an ongoing social engagement project called the Gender Nonconforming Portrait Series where anyone who identifies as gender nonconforming can sit for a portrait and submit answers about their experience of gender. Portraits feature heavily in my portfolio.
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I work with a variety of mediums, including painting, printmaking, ceramics, and fiber arts. Learning and experimenting with new disciplines and crafts is important to my process. Using the functional art that I have made brings me great joy. Craft is in my heritage and my culture. Craft inspires long-lasting value of everyday objects instead of the ‘buy more’ mentality of the consumerist system that surrounds me. Our environment and communities would benefit from a shift back to honoring the rich beauty of craft.
Artist Resume
Education
2021 Lafayette College, Bachelors of Science in Mechanical Engineering, Minor in Studio Art
Residencies
2024 Fall Fob Holder Program, Second State Press, Philadelphia PA
2024 Artist in Residence, Star Island, Portsmouth NH
2024 Summer Fob Holder Program, Second State Press, Philadelphia PA
Exhibitions
2025 Solo Show, Nets and Vignettes, Green Line Cafe on Baltimore Ave, Philadelphia PA
2025 Curated Show, Sacred in the Mundane, Fabriq Gallery, Philadelphia PA
2025 Fall Fob Holder Exhibition, Sub Folder, Second State Press, Philadelphia PA
2024 Local Juried Exhibition, Creative Reuse Winter Art Exhibition, The Resource Exchange, Philadelphia PA
2024 Group Show, Now One With Everyone! Icebox Project Space, Philadelphia PA
2024 Summer Fob Holder Exhibition, Mary Oliver’s Funeral, Second State Press, Philadelphia PA
2023 Juried Exhibition, The Philadelphia Sketch Club's 1st Annual Works Under $250 Exhibition, The Philadelphia Sketch Club, Philadelphia PA
2023 National Juried Exhibition, The Grandeur of Color, Modern Visual Arts Gallery, Bethlehem PA
2022 National Juried Exhibition, By and About Women II, The Regional Center for Women in the Arts, RCWA virtual gallery
2021 Group Show, Art and the Environment, Lafayette College, Easton PA
2018 Group Show, Printmaking Exhibition, Lafayette College, Easton PA
2017 Group Show, Young Artists Exhibition, Woodmere Art Museum, Philadelphia PA
Relevant Work Experience
2025 Ceramics Studio Monitor, Abington Art Center, Abington PA
2024 Printmaking Commission Projects
2024 Embroidery Workshop Teacher, The Pulpery Studio, Philadelphia PA
2023 Carpentry Shop Assistant Manager, Star Island Corporation, Star Island, NH
2020 Illustrator, Friends of Curtis Arboretum, Park map, Wyncote, PA
Skills
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Machine and wood shop
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Print shop
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Electric kiln and reclaiming clay
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CAD programs
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Photoshop and Procreate
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Conversational Spanish