Josh has been an artist based in Melbourne for over 20 years. He has a deep appreciation for materials, especially clay, due to its tactile nature and its ability to respond to touch. He finds fascination in how different types of clay behave when pulled, stretched, or torn. Josh is particularly intrigued by the subtlety of surface textures and the seemingly endless possibilities of form and how they interact with each other.
By casting his works in bronze, Josh has been able to explore new artistic possibilities and push the structural limits of clay. This has allowed him to incorporate a more linear element in his work, with lines now appearing to "float" in space. Drawing from his knowledge of ceramics and lost wax casting, including wheel-thrown elements and working directly with wax, he believes that these two dominant aspects of his art strongly influence each other. This creates a constant dialogue throughout his work as he continues to search for new ways of expression.
By casting his works in bronze, Josh has been able to explore new artistic possibilities and push the structural limits of clay. This has allowed him to incorporate a more linear element in his work, with lines now appearing to "float" in space. Drawing from his knowledge of ceramics and lost wax casting, including wheel-thrown elements and working directly with wax, he believes that these two dominant aspects of his art strongly influence each other. This creates a constant dialogue throughout his work as he continues to search for new ways of expression.
Josh was born in London but later moved to Melbourne, Australia with his family. Growing up in Melbourne, he pursued a degree in ceramics at the Victorian College of Arts. And with the support of his artist parents, he completed his degree and established his own studio. His focus was on wheel-thrown forms, as he further developed his technique and explored different materials. His work primarily involved stoneware reduction firing, drawing inspiration from classical Chinese glazes. This sparked a deep interest in wood firing, leading him to spend years assisting renowned wood firers in Australia before eventually building his own kiln.
Currently, Josh shares a studio in Coburg with his wife and glassblower Ruth Allen. Together, they have created a multidisciplinary space that allows them to fully explore their ideas. Additionally, Josh has been working at Meridian Sculpture Foundry for nearly 20 years, where he holds the position of senior mould maker, wax worker, and patinator.
Currently, Josh shares a studio in Coburg with his wife and glassblower Ruth Allen. Together, they have created a multidisciplinary space that allows them to fully explore their ideas. Additionally, Josh has been working at Meridian Sculpture Foundry for nearly 20 years, where he holds the position of senior mould maker, wax worker, and patinator.