YabYum Seven: Josh Louchheim

All photos courtesy of Josh Louchheim

1. Who are you and what do you do?

My name is Josh Louchheim and I’m an artist living and working in Scottsdale. I am a disciplined painter working strictly with oil. My paintings are a combination of the natural world and the world within my head. Essentially I am a landscapist and when I begin a piece the first thing I paint is the sky. The sky is what sets the tone for the story that each painting tells. I then block in the lay of the land adding mountains, trees and anything else I feel the landscape needs. Next I begin to add the figures, whether they are animals or people, and the objects they are manipulating. Though each painting tells a story, the story I envision may not be the same as the viewers. Therefore I give each one a title that acts as a guideline for its true meaning.

2. How did you get your start?

I started writing music years ago and put together a band which performed locally. The band eventually ran its course and we broke up; which is the case for most bands. Shorty after this is when I made the decision to focus on an aspect of art I could do souly alone without having to rely on the creativity of others to fulfil my vision. Oil painting was something I had always admired so the decision was an easy one. I dedicated myself to it and I have now been painting consistently for the past six years; the past three of which have been my most disciplined in keeping to a schedule as opposed to just painting when I felt inspired. I first started exhibiting four years ago at Art One Gallery and then branched out to Phoenix where I have shown at MonOrchid Gallery as well as Herberger Theater Art Gallery. My work currently hangs in the homes and offices of various collectors from Arizona to New York.

“Elephants Searching Shadows of Spheres III” Oil on 35.5″ x 21.25″ panel

3. What inspires you?

I am inspired by the natural world as well as by life and experience; where you come from and what you’ve been through is an intricate part of a person. Without experience we aren’t much at all. I try and use my life experiences combined with the emotions associated with those experiences in every piece I create.

4. What do you like about AZ?

I’ve been here the majority of my life so this is my home. I enjoy the harsh desert landscapes; I find it fascinating how life doesn’t just exist here but actually flourishes. Monsoon season is my absolute favorite part of desert life which is one of the reasons I paint so many clouds. And there is nothing as beautiful as the sunsets we have here in the valley.

5. Where can we see you(r) work?

I will be having a solo exhibition at MonOrchid Gallery in May of 2015; opening night being May 1st. Then the following month at Willo North Gallery where I will be exhibiting in a group portrait show. You can also view some of my work on my Facebook page.

6. What would you like to accomplish before you die?

I can only hope that my talent and the body of work I leave behind will allow me to live far past my death. While I’m still here I plan on expanding my resume and exhibiting across the country eventually making my way overseas. I also plan on continuing to write music as well as exploring other creative avenues.

7. What is your mantra?

You’re either living or you’re dying. So work hard at what you love while continuing to grow and everything else will fall into place.