Today we’d like to introduce you to Josh Quick.
Josh, please kick things off for us by telling us about yourself and your journey so far.
As a kid I moved around a lot. I wasn’t an army brat nor did my family own multiple houses or anything, we just moved. Georgia to Maryland, Maryland to Alabama, and eventually settled into the burbs halfway through my high school stint. I didn’t feel connected to much. I had never felt particularly rooted, but here it was obvious I was a southerner and was labeled as an outsider. Being on the fringe can have its benefits, so I ran with it. I found other outsiders in the Art and Tattoo community and started to cultivate my talents. Eventually I got into college to pursue those interests but was opposed by crippling anxiety every step of the way destroying my mental state. Art had always been a release and a source of identity but changing everything and elevating it to a life calling was too much a burden for me to handle. I abandoned it instead of dealing with my fears.
It took a long time to reconcile that failure. As I grew, every moment of desperation and pain fueled my creativity and Art as a hobby was there to counsel me through the chaos. After years of struggling with severe depression, living turmoil, and the loss of loved ones, I was forced to reevaluate and I rededicated myself to my passion and gave into being an artist. I used my anxiety to motivate my works instead of allowing it to define me. since then I’ve designed multiple tattoos, learned every form of analog art I could think of, and created a name and style of my own.
Can you give our readers some background on your art?
I primarily work in two-dimensional analog art; painting, drawing, printing. I take the references from the natural world, mostly plant and animal life. Using my background in cultural history I merge religious and occult imagery into most of my works to create quasi sacred icons. the juxtaposition of making everyday creatures or items into illuminated beings highlights the beauty of trivial life. I aim to make people think about where they put their attention. Most of my works are technical pieces with a lot of fine details ranging from neo traditional and new school tattoo art to photo realism.
Any advice for aspiring or new artists?
I’ve found that practical knowledge and experience trumps formal education. The simple act of persevering is the most important thing anyone can do. Too often people let their fears and trepidation over what others think paint them into a corner. People alter who they are and how they think to mold into the crowd instead of stepping into their own. School can teach you techniques but facing your fears and finding your own style is harder and far more worth it.
What’s the best way for someone to check out your work and provide support?
My work can be found through both Instagram and Facebook at Mojomutt.design and is featured at the Jackalope Coffee and Tea House at 755 W 32nd St, Chicago.
Contact Info:
- Email: mojomutt@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mojomutt.design/
Image Credit:
Josh Quick
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