Small Dark Corners
Joshua Tucker seems to be no stranger to two things: small spaces and emotional introspection. The artist is familiar with unusual interiors, whether its the lining of a 58 foot-long houseboat, the imagined infinite black walls of his paintings, or inside wherever it is our identities really lie. Perhaps that’s why Tucker’s work always seems take place somewhere else, somewhere small, dark, and still. Somewhere where the things we sometimes lock away, like our despair or our empathy, can still be found as long as you know where to look. Leeds, UK – based artist Joshua Tucker takes us there, and like the rest of us he’s still finding his way around.
Part One: Who is Joshua Tucker?
Question #1: Who are you as an artist?
“Tough question. At the moment, I’d say I’m an aspiring artist. I live and work in Leeds, West Yorkshire (UK) on a 58ft Narrowboat. Painting in such a small place really emphasises how large my ambition really is.”
Question #2: Who are you as an artist?
“It’s only within the last 2 years that I started to paint, and I’ve been tackling identity, empathy and despair as my main themes ever since. Trying to emulate and articulate to the viewer the sensation of said themes is, in part, the main reason I paint. How do you communicate something inside, that you yourself don’t quite understand? It’s an incredible struggle, and one that will keep me going for the foreseeable future.
Question #3: What has led you to this point in your life?
To be completely honest, I had a breakdown. 2 years ago, my world imploded and painting/creating was the only way for me to understand what I was feeling. Ever since, I’ve noticed I create my most meaningful work (personally) when I’m at my lowest emotionally.
Painting/creating was the only way for me to understand what I was feeling.”
Question #4: What motivates you to create?
“How do I adequately convey the feelings of empathy and despair, whilst trying to understand who I am and what I stand for? I guess that’s the best motivation I could ask for.”
Part Two: From Darkness
Joshua Tucker’s artistic process explores the notion of identity through acrylic painting.
Acrylic on box plywood.
59.5H x 84Wcm
Acrylic on canvas.
59.5H x 42Wcm
Acrylic on plywood.
Triptych approx. 81H x 124Wcm (including mounting space)
Acrylic on plywood.
49H x 43.5Wcm (approx.)
Acrylic on canvas.
59.5H x 42Wcm
Where/ How can Vacant Museum viewers see more of your work and where can they purchase it?
I’m very active on social media (Instagram: @josh.uatucker) where I Show most of my works in progress. My completed works, sketchbooks and blog are available on my website: iamjoshuatucker.com – all paintings and sketchbook work are available for purchase.