Today we’d like to introduce you to Josh Hickman.
Hi Josh, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
I started painting and drawing as a young child in South Texas. This progressed with age, and following a move to Dallas, I was encouraged to take my art more seriously and attend the Booker T. Washington High School for Performing and Visual Arts. There, I studied drawing, painting, and sculpture, winning 1st Place in the Scrap Can Be Beautiful competition. That metal sculpture was exhibited at the Trammel Crow Sculpture Garden and later sold—my first sale at 16. Having been interested in film since a young age and having made amateur films since age 8, I switched my major from art to film while attending the University of Texas at Austin, graduating from the screenwriting program of the Radio/TV/Film department
After college, I worked a variety of jobs—waiter, musician, bartender, construction, even private investigator—often painting and doing murals on the side. In my late 20s, I worked on several documentaries, shooting many of Hempsters and the award-winning Torrie’s Distraction.
In my 30s, I moved to LA, settling in Hollywood, where I worked both in and outside the movie business. In the latter of my 14 years there, I began writing novels and returned to painting, garnering solo shows in LA and Long Beach.
Returning to Dallas in 2020, I became the first artist-in-residence at Arts Mission Oak Cliff, where I produced three shows of new work in six months. In the ensuing years, I have had a large piece commissioned by Dallas County, donated a piece to Parkland Hospital, and have exhibited work in various exhibitions in Dallas and Smithville, TX.
Painting was my respite and release as I acted as sole caregiver for my elderly mother for three years as she declined and recently passed away due to Alzheimer’s disease. Since her passing, I have been adjusting, taking stock of my life, and resuming painting with renewed perspective and vigor.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
In the latter period of caregiving for my mother and immediately following her passing, I experienced deep feelings of guilt and grief, as many surviving caregivers do. Artistic inspiration and meaning just seemed to melt away into the great void. But I am pulling myself out via my art, and the dramatic experiences will hopefully have another layer of depth to my work.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m known as a painter, writer, and sometime musician. I would say while my writing is the most intellectually stimulating, my art is more engaging and expressive on a visceral and subconscious level. I’m most proud of a few novels and a few paintings, including District 2, which I painted for Dallas County, now hanging in the Records Building downtown. I think there is an unusual combination of contemplation and immediacy which sets my artwork apart.
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
My advice for those starting out is to not ignore the business side of art and to keep learning and exploring. Don’t make your art be just a fashion show. Avoid trends. Having a personal “style” is easy. Most artists are born with a certain style. Making predictable pieces that all look the same is boring. I often actually try to work against my style.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @therealjoshhickman
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1717411370&mibextid=LQQJ4d
