We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Joshua Horkey a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Joshua, thanks for joining us today. Was there an experience or lesson you learned at a previous job that’s benefited your career afterwards?
Prior to starting my career as an artist, I had enjoyed 20+ years designing clothes in the apparel/fashion industry. It was/is a true passion of mine and I was able to do some amazing things over that time. Having worked in a creative industry prior to fine art really shaped myself and my work, as one would suspect… However, one important aspect of that industry that I learned is the business side of creativity.
-The constantly changing focus.
-The total dedication to deadlines.
-Proper communication.
I believe that having that background has help quite a bit in the modest successes I have had so far in my art career.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
-I create mixed media artwork primarily on wood panels and often on reclaimed/found objects. (ie. antique windows and reclaimed wood)
The subject matter that I currently focus on is pop inspired. meaning that I use appropriated comic imagery and found ephemera (both old and new) taken from “popular culture”.
-Aesthetically, I use collage, color palettes derived from fashion, graphic elements, and layer upon layer of “process”.
-Theoretically, I want to convey a story of human introspection, self awareness, and vulnerability.
-Personally, I would like to think that I am a passionate creative who operates an art business ethically and proficiently. I am driven, personable, and collaborative.
I love what I do! if you love my work as much as I love creating it, and are a solid human being…
I cant wait to work together. Collectors, Curators, Creatives!
See also my BIO and STATEMENT on my website… <https://
We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?
Coming from a the creative industry of fashion design, there are always specific parameters that you adhere to in order to make that business/brand a commercial success…
-Current/future customers
-Sales trends
-Prior business successes
…the list is almost endless.
UNLEARNING that and having the ability to create whatever you want is both invigorating and terrifying.
-Invigorating, in that you (and only you) are able to put out ANYTHING you want.
-Terrifying, that you constantly second guess your decisions. fears of failure.
There is never a point where you completely unlearn those parameters. after all, it was those that created measurable success for your prior business/brand.
How do you take the parameters from a commercial creative industry and translate it to an art business?
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being creative?
First, there are too many to come up with just one!! however… I am consistently humbled at EVERY SINGLE SALE of my artwork. There are people out there that are willing to pay their hard earned money for a piece of art that I created!
It is rewarding to know that there are people out there that are compelled to buy my art…
-As a first time art buyer.
-As a current art collector.
-And even the galleries that believe there are enough clients that would like my work. they are willing to bring me into the fold and spend their time/energy/money because they believe in my work/process.
All REWARDING indeed
Contact Info:
- Website: www.joshuahorkeyart.com
- Instagram: @joshuahorkeyart
Image Credits
PHOTOS BY ARTIST