How to Make It in the Art World—Without Following the Rules

In this episode of The Professional Artist Podcast, Australian-Colombian painter and sculptor Joshua Searle is featured by the Professional Artist Association (https://professionalartist.com/join/), the world's fastest growing global community for committed fine artists.

He shares how he has built a flourishing career exploring diasporic identity and the impact of colonization through his innovative and deeply personal art. A two-time Sir John Sulman Prize finalist and recipient of the 2024 Mason Family Trust Fellowship, Joshua has quickly gained recognition since his first solo exhibition in 2021, carving out a definitive space for himself in the contemporary art world.

Known for blending cultural storytelling with bold creative risks, Joshua opens up about forging a career without formal training, finding mentorship in unexpected places, and pushing the boundaries of his artistic comfort zone to create meaningful work.
From entering the art world on his own terms to the importance of seeking guidance and embracing the unfamiliar, Joshua offers inspiring advice for artists pursuing authenticity and growth in their creative journeys.

“It's hard work and it will never stop being hard work. But if you love it, there's nothing better to do than work hard at something you love.”
– Joashua Searle

Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction
01:00 Joshua Searle’s Background and Artistic Focus
02:07 Key Themes: Diasporic Identity, Memory, and Colonization
03:20 Reflection on Early Work and Personal Memories
04:45 Returning to Art: A Journey of Healing
06:16 Evolving Practice and Key Creative Partnerships
08:07 Exploring Diasporic Identity and Cultural Displacement
09:50 Starting with Painting: Accessibility and Early Challenges
11:00 First Exhibition in an Unconventional Space
13:00 Recognition and Breakthrough Moments
15:55 Grants, Fellowships, and Navigating Rejections
18:33 Institutional Commissions: Creative Risks and Collaboration
21:50 Mentorship and the Value of Asking for Help
24:00 Building Community Through Collaboration
25:17 Final Reflections on Hard Work and Loving the Process
26:57 Closing Thoughts: Persistence, Curiosity, and Taking the First Step

Access the members-only full unabridged conversation here: https://hub.professionalartist.com/c/...

Resources:
Art Gallery of New South Wales - Sir John Sulman Prize: https://www.artgallery.nsw.gov.au/pri...

Connect with Joshua:
Website: https://joshuasearle.com/
Instagram:   / joshua_searle_art  

Learn more about The Professional Artist Association:

Join 50,000+ artists getting Free advice & inspiration: https://professionalartist.com/letter
Join ≈1,000 committed artists around the world for less than $1, £ or € a day: https://professionalartist.com/join

Instagram:   / professionalartistaccelerator  

Free training and resources:
Free training on how to find art buyers without a big following: https://professionalartist.com/find-y...

Free insider report on how Painters, Sculptors, and Fine Art Photographers make their art income stable and consistent: https://professionalartist.com/report...

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