We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Joshua Pass. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Joshua below.
Alright, Joshua thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Earning a full time living from one’s creative career can be incredibly difficult. Have you been able to do so and if so, can you share some of the key parts of your journey and any important advice or lessons that might help creatives who haven’t been able to yet?
Over the last year I have transitioned from running my studio part-time 25-30 hrs a week and working a full-time job 40+ hrs a week, to (omitted just being felt belittling the job) a full-time studio artist. I am settling into the role of a full-time studio artist; it is amazing to live “the dream life.” You typically don’t learn in art school all that it entails. Being in control of your schedule and being in your studio are so amazing. But on the other side, the business of running a studio can feel like climbing Mt. Everest. You know there is a mountain to climb but there is so much unknown, how much help you will need, and where to get it, paperwork, bookkeeping, marketing, and most important how far apart the paychecks will be. Some of the milestones along the way are so irreplaceable; the first sculpture that you install in a sculpture park or the feeling of delivering a piece to one of your favorite clients and they love it so much that it brings them close to tears. Or the feeling when you install your first public sculpture and there is a large gathering of people to celebrate the dedication of the work. There are very few highs in life that can compare to these feelings. Whenever I am too stressed out about how much work it is to actually be creative and live off of my art. I have to remember how amazing these accomplishments have made me feel. Sometimes I wonder how it would have been if I committed to my studio full-time right out of college, before I built up home, family, and bills. I’d be “living the life” sooner, but I would have missed many other amazing experiences, people and lessons along the way. Living the typical 9-5 life has convinced me that living the artist life is a must and has given me the drive to work however hard I have to to make it work, which currently seems extremely hard.
Joshua, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
I have followed generation after generation in my family of being a maker, while being the first to venture into the world of fine art. Art was introduced early in my life, I developed a strong infatuation with any educational opportunity to learn about visually communicating. My history and experiences are what feed my art. Born 1979 a native to Colorado, vast open spaces and dramatic plain changes are important to me and communicate where I am from. A love for various cultures is informative to my art; references to Eastern culture, Western culture and Native cultures all can be found in my work. My career path also plays an important part in feeding my work. Starting out as a machinist, I learned how to transform metal through the use of various tools. Seeking to be more involved in the arts, I went back to school and earned a BFA from Metropolitan State College of Denver. Towards the end of school, I took a job at a designer jewelry company, Todd Reed Inc. Working my way up from a bench Jeweler, I have found myself working closely with the designer on new designs as well as taking on a managerial role. That experience has really fortified my sense of design, production and leadership. During this time I also realized how important continuing education through workshops, lectures and short mentorships can be; they have really shaped me as an artist as well. Now I am running my studio Rare Elementz Studio full time, I specialize in hand crafting sculpture that celebrates the dynamics that develop between people or people in their environment. My favorite is to create custom commissions that narrate stories between two people or a family.
For me the most rewarding part of being a creative is connecting with clients, sharing stories and adding something deeply meaningful to their life. That will remain with them as long as they choose to keep the object that represents some story, trip or meaningful event of life.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
For me the most rewarding part of being a creative is connecting with clients, sharing stories and adding something deeply meaningful to their life. That my art will remain with them as long as they choose to keep the object that represents some story, trip or meaningful event of their life.
How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?
For me each time I felt that a change was needed, I work towards it as much as I can, yet not fully committing. Then a life-threatening incident occurs. During the recovery period from these events I realize what is most important in life to me in my life. Then over the next year I tend to make major shifts in my life that I was having a hard time committing to. Over the next year, I make major shifts in my life towards committing to changes I was trying to make. This has happened to me twice, both times it involved a dirt bike accident that almost killed me. The first time I was in my mid 20’s, I hit a tree while riding alone. When I became conscious, I had to hike myself miles out and call for help. This accident started the transition from me being a machinist to starting to pursue a career in the arts. The second time a similar event happened, yes I had another accident, involving both a tree and a dirt bike, but this time the injury was much worse. Previously I had felt the need for a change; I had been casually working towards it, enjoying some recreation. Fortunately this time I had an amazing woman with me, she helped get me conscious, address some wounds and get me to help. During this recovery period, it fully set in and I realized how much of a blessing life is, how short it is, that you have to live to the fullest, pursue your passions wholeheartedly and not let any challenges get in your way. I also learned that if you feel a deep yearning and passion for change, it’s best to act on it right away before life forces you into the changes.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.rareelementzstudio.com/
- Instagram: @rareelementz
- Linkedin: Joshua Pass