Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Joshua Gagnon. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Joshua, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Let’s jump back to the first dollar you earned as a creative? What can you share with us about how it happened?
Let me tell you, every sale I make feels just as exciting and fulfilling as the first piece of art I sold. I’ve been a creative most of my life, and have been fortunate enough to experiment with multiple mediums. I used line in L.A. and was a glassblower, and that was where I generated my first sale. Taking the time to come up with a vison in my head, dedicating the materials and effort into creating the piece, and then finally seeing it come to life was oddly only half of the journey. I sold it to a friend at the time for far less than it was worth but it made me feel like a million bucks. It wasn’t about the money…we were all poor at the time.
They were connected to the piece. It spoke to them in a way that I didn’t intent, but deeply and truly and clearly in a very real way. I had mixed emotions initially as they missed the hard work and though I had placed into the piece. However I realized quickly that although I had created this piece, it was no longer mine. I walked away elated knowing that this piece was with it’s rightful owner and forever home.
Years later, that same person saw me painting on Instagram Stories and purchased the piece before it was finished. Same thing….she told me that the piece spoke to her as a Mother. I’m not a Mother, but I once again knew that this painting was no longer mine. I love that feeling. Thanks again Kim…You’re a Real One!
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
My name is Joshua and I am an artist. You can see my art on Instagram as NakedandPour. I have always been a creative just without direction. I feel that art is a way of allowing my spirit and your spirit to speak in a language that only they understand.
Back in 2018/2019 I was looking for a new art medium and between seeing Youtube videos of people doing Cup Pours and going to a local Paint N Pour night I told myself “I can do that”. I went out and purchased some supplies, and I have making a giant mess ever since. My style has evolved as well, and my recent work really has been connecting well with my following.
Currently selling originals and signed prints
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
It seems like most artists are working a “real job” in addition to creating artwork. I believe that is true resilience. It’s not about what you’re willing to give up; it’s about what extra responsibilities you’re willing to take on to get where you want to go. Not every venture will work out. For example, I wanted to play the violin professionally, but it didn’t work out. I also considered creating glass art and sell it locally, but that didn’t work out either. But I believe that if you want to be successful, you have to be resilient.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
For me, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist is seeing my work find its Forever Home. It brings up such a crazy mixed bag of emotions, and I love it. There’s something so rewarding about seeing a piece I created bring someone else happiness. Even with or without money, I know I will continue creating art to chase that feeling.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://NakedAndPour.com
- Instagram: #NakedandPour
Image Credits
Joshua Gagnon