Meet Josh Universe: Painter & Grafitti Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Josh Universe and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Josh, what role has risk played in your life or career?
I’ve always embraced taking risks. As a teenager, I did many things without thinking them through. This, inadvertently, created a sense of fearlessness within me. As I grew older and more mature, I began critically thinking things through, but with the same fearless feeling. Risk taking has been one of the driving forces behind my career. Many said choosing a career in art was a huge risk in itself. However, I learned early on that everything I wanted out of life always came with risks. But, the more I succeed through my risky choices, the braver and more ambitious I become.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I mainly work in oil painting. I like to combine realism and surrealism in my work, to convey a message or feelings in my own way. Within the last year, my work as evolved drastically. I take much pride in this, because it is what I have worked and prayed for. It makes me that much more excited for the future. Like many others, it was not easy to get to this point. I have experienced every emotion imaginable when it comes to my art. Many times the low’s overcame the high’s. But this is what I love to do. I want to be one of the best. So emotion and thought took a backseat to perseverance and discipline. I continued to perfect myself the best i knew how, and never stopped trying new things. I truly believe we can be anything in this world. But it all starts with you.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
We would definitely start by grabbing some food. I’m big on seafood, so we would have to stop by The Juicy Crab. We could then walk it off at The High Museum, as we try to decipher abstract art. By then I would be ready to eat again, so I would take them to J.R. Cricket’s for some hot wings. We could travel a little out of the city for a hike. Vickery Creek Trail in Roswell, GA, is a great trail. I would end it by taking them to Ponce City Market. It’s always a nice time there. Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My parents and sister deserve so much credit. They have always encouraged and believed in me. My dad always told me, “Joshua, you gone blow, son. Don’t get complacent, and don’t give up on yourself.” My mom and sister are always in my corner. They make me feel like the greatest, and let me know I can do it. My close friends are my backbone. D’angelo and Donavan are always pushing me, as are my friends in my hometown. A special shoutout to Zenith Art & Fashion. It has always been my dream live and work in Miami, and they have helped me take a step forward in doing so. I want to make them all proud; I have to.

Website: https://www.joshuniverse.net
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joshuniverse/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/joshuniverse1

Image Credits
OnEye Productions