Featured Artist Josh Talbott

Josh Talbott’s acrylic compositions allow the viewer to develop their own ideas about what is going on in the painting. See more of his playful artwork by visiting his website.

 

 

The through line of my work stitches a sense of wonder to the fabric of relationship.

 

 

I live in a small coastal California town and my little home is my studio.  Where I sit to paint there is a bookshelf of oddities looking over my shoulder; things I have built or collected over the years, old books, rubber dinosaurs, and scraps of paper that are markers for various ideas.

 

 

These are artifacts of the genuine and playful curiosity that I define as wonder. These odds and ends in this little world of my bookshelf will sometimes fall into relationship with one another or take on a different context. I like the idea that nothing “is” on it’s own but rather identity is reflected from relationship. This is the part of my process of rediscovery that keeps me deep in the weeds of ideation. Ideas are magic. Taking one idea to completion just means five more knocking at your door, until eventually you just take the door off the hinges.

 

 

My work leads me in many directions.

 

 

My works on collage began in my grandmother’s living room many years ago. It is now often my reprieve from my other work. It is simple and methodical. A collage of old papers, disintegrating books, and layer upon layer of colors are the base for whatever ideas are in play.

 

 

For me they carry a feeling of nostalgia; like glimpses into my grandmother’s story, or a conversation with an old sailor. They are sober looks at impermanence and appreciation of moments in time.

 

 

Many of my works are still life paintings of toys that tease out a viewer’s imagination. They are a reminder of the importance of “play.” Before they know it, the viewer has assigned an action or invented a story. “The Picnic” is a perfect example. Whose picnic was it? Everyone has a different take. It is collaboration of the highest order and shows the artist that resides in us all.

 

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