Josh Bradley: Meet the Artist
“My name is Josh Bradley and I’m an artist from Gary, Indiana. I specialize in realism and I primarily paint in oil. I have many different reasons on why I create, but I believe the main reason is to share stories through painting. When somebody looks at my work I want them to think beyond someone just putting a paint brush to canvas.”
Q: How did you get involved with Lions and Rabbits?
A: I saw an Instagram post from Lions and Rabbits about a mural opportunity and reached out to see if I could be a part of it and I was blessed to paint my very first mural with the help of great people from the gallery.
Q: Run us through your creative process: Medium? How do you start, flow and finish?
A: I’ve been using graphite for a very long time. It wasn’t until the pandemic happened that I started teaching myself how to oil paint. Since I’ve picked up on a few painting techniques, oil painting has been my main focus. My process for starting a painting is slow. I start by drawing out my subject on paper then I’ll transfer my drawing to canvas. Once the drawing has been transferred over to canvas I can start painting and that’s when the process moves quickly. It’s still a lot I have to learn about painting but the journey has been fun!
Q: What themes/ideas are highlighted in your work? Intentions?
A: I haven’t painted any new ideas yet but my body of work is going to involve a lot of butterflies so stay tuned!
Q: Can you share more about how your career as an artist began?
A: I believe my career truly started last year when got commissioned to paint live at a few events and painting my first mural. I’ve always had high hopes of being a professional artist one day!
Q: What mistakes have you made? What obstacles have you encountered throughout your career as an artist?
A: There will always be obstacles. But, that only helps us grow. One that I’ve faced is knowing that working with different people isn’t always going to be easy. And, trying to remain professional and polite throughout the process even though the same actions aren’t being reciprocated.
Q: Who/what are your biggest inspirations that play a key role in your work?
A: The person who inspired me the most was my granddad. He always told me never to limit myself with artistic ability.
Q: Do you feel supported by your community as an artist? In what ways could you feel more supported?
A: Since moving from Gary it seems like I’m being more supported as an artist. I love my city! But, at the time Gary did not have the resources for me to flourish as an artist. In the future, I plan on investing in the art scene within my community. However, being in Grand Rapids has given me the recognition and utmost support!
Q: What is the function of artists in society? What does being an artist mean to you?
A: I think art is an act of survival. It is something that can liberate the soul, provoke an imagination, and encourage people to go a great distance.
Q: Describe a moment when you felt most proud of yourself
A: I felt the most proud of myself when I completed my first mural (1246 Plainfield Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49505)! It was an honor painting many, Black public figures, and knowing that many people were impressed with the results— made me feel really happy with my work!
Q: What are you currently working on or looking forward to?
A: I am currently working on a mural at A.K. Rikk’s! I am looking forward to working on a very special piece. With that, I hope that I will be able to submit to Art Prize this year! So, stay tuned!
Q: BONUS: If you could choose any superpower, what would it be?🦸🏻♀️⚡️🌀
A: If I had to choose any superpower it would be super speed because I like to go for runs!
Follow more of Josh’s work on instagram.com/joshbradleyart
Thank you for checking out this week’s Meet the Artist, be sure to check out more artist stories dropping weekly on our blog!
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