Who is Joshua Fielding?
I find it a bit funny when I’m asked “who Joshua Fielding is” or “Who I am” because, well, I don’t mean to sound cliché, but I think (especially artistic types) we’re always only a journey of figuring out who we are. By that I don’t mean finding ourselves, but strengthening and creating ourselves; pushing ourselves emotionally, physically, mentally and creatively. It’s like writing a dictionary on life but having to write and update your own definitions.
But all dribble aside, I am a young artist living in Melbourne. I am originally from a small town in South Australia. I’ve wanted to pursue art and performing for as long as I could remember, but being from a small town, any training or knowledge was not available to me. I was in fact often questioned and mocked for wanting be an artist.
After high school I moved to Melbourne to start training in the arts. I thought that once I had left the country and followed my dreams that any torment for what I wanted to do would come to an end, but unfortunately being a raw-talent artist from the country made a lot of people very quick to judge.
I’ve now finished my full-time training. I have a diploma in dance and musical theatre. I’ve met a lot of people and learnt a lot over the past four years and even though there have been many obstacles through it all, I’m still as passionate as the day I moved here.
What would you do differently to what you do now?
If I were to do something differently to what I do now, I’ll say the obvious, that I would do what I do and not let the opinions of others lower my self-esteem or make me question my artistic direction, but at times I appreciate the negative, as it is sometimes used as a fuel to create.
Who inspires you and why?
When it comes to creating, I find inspiration from the artworks of Salvador Dali I love his use of colour, shading and optical illusions. I also love how he believed in always going further in art, in life, in everything. Other artists that I’m drawn to are Marc Quinn and Beastman. I recognize Quinn by his paintings of eyes. He doesn’t paint the whole eye, just the pupil and the iris. I absolutely love his detail, and with Beastman’s work, I just absolutely love his signature shapes and colours.
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
If I could do something to make a difference in the world, there would be two things. The first (an obvious one) is to one day become financial situated so I can help those less fortunate than I. The second, which may seem very typical (and once again, cliché), but I would like to inspire at least one person to pursue art and think of me as some sort of inspiration or role model.
Favorite holiday destination and why?
I haven’t traveled very much so I can’t say that I have a favorite holiday destination, but I would love to go to New York one day. The theatre, why else?
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
Ever since I moved to Melbourne I lost touch with my friends back home. Although I did put in the effort to come down and see them now and again, they unfortunately didn’t do the same and we just grew apart. It’s what happens when people have different goals in life and they don’t match up to life or the people you grew up around. When I have my parents come visit me we always go out for nice dinners, take them out shopping and see a show.
What are you currently reading?
I am currently reading a book series by a friend of mine. Her name is Kate Wilson, she is the published Author of Black Saturday was my Dad’s Birthday and Can We Go Home Now? The stories are about the survival of Black Saturday, written from my youngest child’s perspective.
What are you currently listening to?
At the moment I’m listening to a lot of the work by Daniel Johns, Adam Lambert, Simon Gleeson, and of course, Sia and Adele. I love listening to all of their albums from start to finish while I paint. It helps me focus and keep motivated, especially when things get hectic and or when I’m feeling uninspired.
Happiness is?
Creating is what makes me happy. Yes, being around friends and going to see a show of some kind may be fun, but all good things come to an end. I love to create and think to myself that when I’m no longer around, that hopefully some of my work will still be around.
What does the future hold for you?
I’m hoping the future will hold in store more exhibitions with my current work and future ideas, as well as involvement with the performing arts. I plan on putting together a cabaret and keeping involved with the theatre side of the industry.
An exhibition of Joshua’s work will be on display: 10 – 17 April 2016 at Gallery Voltaire, 14 Raglan Street, North Melbourne. For more information, visit: eyeflygalleries or www.rawartists.org for details.
Image: Joshua Fielding – photo by Belinda Strodder