‘Trauma with a Candied Twist’: Josey Posy on Colorful Pieces & Less-than Memories
Bunnies with baseball bats, tearful-yet-punny clowns and two-headed possums are among other strangely innocent images made by Josey Posy.
A queer and non-binary artist in the south, Josey is aiming to illustrate a reality unseen in the day-to-day.
“I love to play with color because color kind of represents a life that isn’t really seen…” says Josey. “I like to use color as much as I can to represent different feelings, because color and feelings go hand-in-hand for me.”
Josey’s vibrant works range from paintings to jewelry boxes, mirrors and model toy houses. These youthful pieces create a playful air with a less-lighthearted twist.
“I honestly used my art as an escape,” says Josey. “My childhood was very turbulent and that’s where I draw a lot of inspiration for what I do now.”
For Josey, the artistic escape evolved through the years.
Starting with feeling-fueled doodles, Josey transitioned to using their art as a journal. In this diary, Josey hopes their audience can relate while also seeing the broader scope.
“I want to sit personally with people in ways, but I also…” says Josey. “It’s all part of a bigger picture. Each piece I make is part of my journey and it shows.”
The venture hasn’t been simple for Josey. With color-streaked imagery, Josey’s pieces paint a stark contrast to some less-than-playful art.
“I very much so feel like an outcast in the art world, just because of my style and the theme…” says Josey. “I like to create things that have never been seen before. That’s what I wanna see – things I haven’t seen before, stuff that makes me question parts of myself. I want to see myself reflected in something completely new and strange.”
For novice artists finding their own novelty, Josey has some advice:
“First and foremost, be patient…” says Josey. “It’s really hard, because you’re gonna hate a lot of stuff you make, but hating your stuff – some of it – is a sign of progression.”
*Cool, artistic life update: Josey is currently apprenticing as a tattoo artist and expanding their art! To take a closer look at Josey’s candy-twisted art visit, Josey Posy on Facebook, “peachy.puke” for their art page and “joseyposypokes” for their tattoo page on Instagram.
