Joseph Corgile has birthed a prosperous, self-made business as a distinguished muralist under the alias “Joe C. Rock”. Corgile was born in Stockton, California in 1985 where he spent the early years of his youth until moving to Reno, Nevada with his mother at the age of eight. A passion for skateboarding took Joe through the latter years of school and beyond, immersing him into a love for pop culture and travel. As he matured, he was immersed into graffiti culture by friends and family. 

	With unmatched drive and an emphasis on community, Joe first transitioned his art toward mural painting in 2009- during a time when the city of Reno showed little to no embellishment of street art. Joe recognized an area of his expertise that was underserved and full of opportunity and in the spirit of a self-made businessman, offered his artwork as the solution. Dedicated to leave his mark on every wall possible, the young artist took it upon himself to develop relationships with Midtown’s small businesses interested in the arts; a relationship which has proven fruitful. In actualizing himself as an entrepreneur, Joe began his  pursuit in cultivating a culture of muralism in Reno, Nevada.

	Adaptable to any situation, Joe demonstrates the want and ability to learn any craft he is shown. Deemed a master at spray paint manipulation and acrylic painting with a particular speciality in large scale mural work, his past training includes that of portraiture, oil painting, sculpting, carpentry, mosaic, and textile art. A fusion of illustration, graffiti, and fine art result in Joe C. Rock’s cohesive style of modern-muralism. None the less, his early roots of artistic experimentation are intrinsically linked to the outcome of his contemporary projects.

	Art of Joe C Rock's lines arterial highways across North America, Mexico and South America; displayed on the walls of cities including Cuzco, Lima, Tijuana, Rosarito, New Orleans, Austin, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, and Sacramento. However, Joe C. Rock’s work is especially celebrated in the city he calls home: Reno. In 2017 he was awarded a Certificate of Commendation from Senator Catherine Cortez Masto in recognition of dedication and passion to arts, commemorating his artistic contribution to the community. From the City of Reno Historical Resources Commission, Joe was presented with the 2018 Historic Preservation Award for murals depicting Reno’s history. Reno News & Review voted Joe C. Rock as “Best Muralist” three years running. The Mayor showed his personal gratitude for street art’s lasting impact by officially proclaiming July 28th to be “Joe C. Rock and Erik Burke Day”.                                                                                                                                                                                                             

     Joe prioritizes the improvement of a community he belongs to; his undeniable presence in Midtown speaks to his care for reviving a tired block into a colorful neighborhood. Midtown remains one of the most sought after areas to reside and conduct business because of its vibrance and prosperous art culture. Joe recognizes where his state has been and where it is going. He uses history, people, urban landscape and the states of flora and fauna as fuel for his ever-changing artwork. Joe C. Rock, the Master of Muralism, continues to create and challenge himself artistically- see him on a wall near you.

— Artist Statement credited to Giovanna Foster, BA in Art History.