In the Old Testament, Noah is said to have built his great animal and civilization-saving ark from Gopherwood, a term that only appears once throughout the whole bible. Taking this mysterious term as a jumping off point, San Francisco-based painter Joe Roberts conjures a multitude of enveloping universes within his latest works, forging vast psychedelic and naturalistic spaces and densely organized information simultaneously. As the artist’s first exhibition since becoming a father, Roberts’ recent paintings are made in complete balance with the caretaking and flourishing of his young son. Much like the artist’s biblical reference, Roberts has taken to referencing past notes and diagrams diligently scrawled during past psychedelic explorations. These records serve as a vital roadmap–a means to synthesize and tap into the vast collective unconsciousness that serves as the basis for the paintings within The Gopherwoods.