Today we’d like to introduce you to Josh Alan.
Josh, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
Collage has always been at the center of my work. I studied painting in school and now teach darkroom photography. Both of these practices are very present in my work as an artist and are always in orbit around collage. My parents owned an antique store so I spent a great deal of time as a kid roaming flea markets, junk shops, and auction houses all over the country. I was left to my own mostly so, to pass the time, I got interested in collecting things myself: books, old photographs, maps, etc. I was drawn to paper and eventually, the collecting turned into collage rather naturally.
I got some experience designing posters and album covers early on for my band By the End of Tonight and others around Houston. After a long time making music, I began to focus more on the visual end. I studied painting and art history and began working as an artist and educator. I spend my time now working in combinations of painting and photography.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I can say with little hesitation that it’s never been a smooth road. You can’t wait around for people to champion your cause. You just have to aim for honest work, keep your integrity, and avoid becoming a parody. And there are no guarantees even if you do your part, but if you love making what you make, it will be its own reward.
We’d love to hear more about your work.
I’m an independent artist. The end result of what I make varies from large-scale collage “paintings,” photographic prints, and digital prints on found paper. I also love working with musicians and have spent a lot of time on album designs and layouts, shirt and poster designs, and those sorts of things.
I love making art, but I’m mostly proud of my work as a teacher. You learn a lot of valuable lessons in the process of trying to make something you think is Quality. I get the opportunity to try to teach kids to pursue Quality in their lives in the guise of a photography class. For better or for worse, I make the work I *want* to make. It’s a little easier to set yourself apart when you are, intentionally or unintentionally, moving in opposition of others.
What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
I’ve had the opportunity to work on a variety of great projects ranging from small design commissions to large-scale multimedia performances. What I’m most proud of, by far, is the amazing community of artists and musicians I get to call friends as a result of these opportunities.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.joshalanADM.com
- Phone: 281-781-9440
- Email: joshalanADM@gmail.com
- Instagram: @joshalanADM
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