Meet Joshua Crockett | Sculptor, Woodworker, Art Handler

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

Hi Joshua, what do you think makes you most happy? Why?
I am happiest when I am making things. Whether I am making sculptures or working on functional woodworking projects, the act of creating is what brings me joy. I believe there is something intrinsic to our nature as humans that drives us to create objects. Ultimately humans have the same basic survival needs as any other creature. What distinguished mankind from animals centuries ago was the creation of tools and utilitarian items to meet those needs more efficiently. Now humans are in a position to make things for pleasure, not just tools to meet our needs for survival. This intrinsic drive to create is certainly still alive in me.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I work full time as an Art Handler. This job involves packing, transporting, installing, deinstalling, and cleaning artwork and art objects. I started my job as an Art Handler right after graduation, just under a year ago. My experience as an intern at the Tyler Museum of Art while in college, along with some classes I took for my Curatorial Studies minor, opened my eyes to all of the different types of work that happens behind the scenes of the art world. It is thanks to that experience in college that I determined I wanted to get into this sort of work.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
My go-to spots to take someone visiting the area would start with Nasher Sculpture Center in Dallas to see some art. If it’s a weekend we’d go to the 500x Gallery next. In the evening I’d take them to Growl Records in Arlington to see some live music- there’s usually some bands playing there on Friday and Saturday nights. In Fort Worth we’d have to go to Arts Fort Worth and Fort Works Art to see some contemporary work from local artists.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I am thankful for my family, specifically my parents, my grandparents, and my sister, for supporting my artistic endeavors throughout my life. They were always encouraging me as a young artist growing up and they were all supportive of my decision to pursue art in college. I also have to thank my professors from UT Tyler, where I learned so many new art-making processes that have impacted how I continue to make art today. In addition I feel that I gained a lot of insight about the art world and life as a professional artist from their mentorship.
I am grateful for community. I believe it is important for an artist to have a community of other artists to discuss ideas with and get valuable feedback from. I have maintained a community of this sort with my closest friends from art school and I have grown my art community with new friends I work with as an Art Handler.

Website: joshuacrockett.com

Instagram: @j.crockett_art

Image Credits
Photo of me by Dove Lott