Drawing great influence from his family and his city, Bay Area-based artist Aaron Isaac Joshua aims to "make a living as an artist, in as many ways possible." See his work hanging at the Minna Gallery on Thursday, August 19th at our RAW launch in San Francisco!  

Tell us about yourself.
I come from a large, close family, rich in culture. I am from the SF bay area, but spent some time as an Army brat across the U.S. I returned to my home in order to make my living as an artist, in as many ways possible. I love to continue to learn and explore new ways of making art and expressing myself.

How did you first get started making art?
As a child I was into comic books, so I started drawing my favorite characters and apparently showed potential. My grandfather, a talented artist of various mediums, always taught me new techniques and provided plenty of inspiration. My mother encouraged me every step of the way, as well as teaching me as much as she could. Photography was a large part of both sides of my family for decades. Several members have made careers in photography; it was just a matter of time before it became a part of my life.

How would you describe your aesthetic?
Eclectic

From where do you draw inspiration for your work?
San Francisco provides endless experiences and people to be inspired by. Also, my family is full of wonderful people who continue inspire me on a daily basis. Over all, I’ve always been inspired by those whom I learn from.

What do you love most about what you do?
I love that I can’t help but create.

Do you engage in, or draw inspiration from, any other forms of art?
Yes, as many as I can. As an artist I aspire to learn as many forms of creative expression as I can throughout my life. I hope each medium, in some way, influences the next.

Medium of choice?
No

What techniques do you most like working with?
Painting: water based, or gouache
Photography: Traditional black and white film/silver gel
Drawing: Mid-tone substrates

Are there any artists or art movements, past or present, that strongly inform and influence your work?
Yes. Today, it is near impossible to create without being inspired by or influenced by something or someone from the past.

Any previous exhibitions/collaborations that you are particularly proud of?
All of them.

Any accomplishments/goals you hope to achieve as an artist in the future?
Many; in various mediums and categories.

Favorite thing to do outside of your craft?
Food