About the Artist

Joshua Gourlay

  Based in Kent, England

  Studied Art and Design at North Kent College, Dartford

  Studying a BA Fine Art course at the University for the Creative Arts, Canterbury

​

  A storyteller through art

 

  In my practice, I create expressive and figurative paintings using acrylic paints to capture the art of storytelling. My paintings take inspiration from fictional tales, historical events, the Bible, and my own narratives and experiences. I have always had a passion for stories, ever since I was a young child. Every single one of my works has its own unique story, waiting to be revealed to the viewer.

​

  My journey as an artist is unorthodox. Before I studied art, I was in special education in my hometown of Gravesend in a school called Ifield School due to having several disabilities, especially for selective mutism, a condition where I was unable to talk to anyone outside my household. My speech therapist helped me to communicate to others and I started talking publicly at the age of 17. The following year, I left Ifield to study my passion for art at North Kent College in Dartford. There I learned various media and techniques, progressing up the ranks from level 1 to a level 3 extended diploma. I was then encouraged to progress further into university for a BA. I accepted the course at the University for the Creative Arts in Canterbury, where I became comfortable continuing my journey as an artist.