Joe turned beeswax into luminescence in an electric frying pan, admonished me against ever again using the word "beyond" in writing essays about art, and proved that (verbatim) "if one monkey can focus with single-pointed intensity on his own task, sooner or later the other monkeys will come around to find out why it's so important." A subtle, muted, evanescent, encaustic--and organic--light has gone out of this world.

I love you darling cousin. We think of you so often and deeply admire your passionate, articulate, study of the landscape around you. I so wish we'd been nearby to absorb more of your inner beauty. Thank you for sharing your vision with the world. We've all been so lucky to know you.

joseph, your art had nothing to do with reductive abstraction: it was based upon the beauties and mysteries of nature. though you changed and adjusted as your career developed, you remained true to your sources in nature. matthew

Many thanks Joe for dropping off your sense of wonder, beauty and seeing for so many to find.

In 2006 Bob and I moved to Harrington.  We became Joe's neighbors.  We soon met him and started a quiet relationship. Bob & Joe had a lot of interests in common and spoke on the phone often.  Joe loved his arugula and I was glad to supply him with fresh vegetables in the summer from my garden.  Our hearts are broken for the loss of Joe and we have and will miss him.  Bob & Carol Mead

He touched many lives in Soap Lake where he lived and worked quietly, weaving himself into the fabric of the place. A deep loss.

a soul brother, mystic painter, musician, poetry lover- greatly missed.  i send you love on your next adventure.

Please except my sincere condolences for the loss of Joseph; he was true visionary and constant touchstone in thinking about artists' interactions with the land. It gave comfort knowing Joseph was our interpreter of this subtle yet mysterious region and I'm grateful for his extraordinary sharing over the years.

We are greatly saddened by Joe's death.  He was a unique and  brilliant artist who truly saw our Northwest in his own subtle way. His paintings are refined abstract statements about the land, the mood, the atmosphere and the weather of our area.  

When he approached my gallery about representing his work, I said I would only do so if he would paint only what he felt like painting without pressure from the art world.

That's exactly what he did for the last 13 years of his life. 

It was a great pleasure to work with him and watch his progress. His sweet spirit, quiet intelligence, and gentle presence will be sorely missed.

We are so sad to hear of Joes passing. From early years together at Woodside Braseth Gallery, to talks about painting and life. He will be missed and live on in our home with his wonderful thoughtful work. Catherine and David Skinner

Joseph was a dear friend when we both lived in Soap Lake in the 80's and 90's. We both enjoyed privacy and solitude and shared a love of nature and art. We spent endless hours, jazzed up with his great espresso making skills, talking about anything and everything. We explored Eastern Washington in all it's glory. He lived his life like a true artist; he lived life his way. I admired him for that and he is a constant reminder to stay true to who I am and live a simple authentic life!
Madchen Sen

Please accept my deepest sympathy for the death of Joseph. He was a wonderful person, richly talented artist, and visionary person who looked into northwest nature and found miraculous images to share with us. matthew kangas

OBITUARY

Joseph Wallace Goldberg

April 27, 1947 – December 8, 2017

Ball & Dodd Funeral Home

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