About the Artist
Joshua D. Wagner is making his mark in Nashville as a sculptor and educator. After earning a B.A. degree (with concentrations in Photography and Ceramics) from Union University in Jackson, Tennessee, he moved to Nashville. For the past nine years, Joshua has taught pottery and sculpture classes at local community centers both here in Nashville and in Wilmington, Delaware (where he was located for four years before returning to live in Nashville). In addition to teaching at the Art Center, he taught Ceramics as an Adjunct Professor at Lipscomb University for two years and managed their Ceramics Studio. He now serves as Gallery Manager for Centennial Art Center (www.nashville.gov/cac), manages a booth at the GasLamp Antique Mall and is building his business in real estate as well (www.athomewithjosh.com).
Born and raised in a small town in southern New Jersey – the son of a landscaper – he enjoyed working with the family business and learned at a young age to appreciate the worth of working proficiently with one’s hands. Today, he still finds fulfillment working with his hands, as he says “…digging in the dirt.” Only now, the “dirt” is clay that he forms into primarily figurative sculptures that, he says, explore “…emotional intimacies of the human condition.” His textured ceramic sculptures have added depth and richness of surface via experimental glazing and firing techniques, Wagner says this “…accentuates their already desperate condition.” Of his sculpture, Wagner says, “Although my sculptural work is done primarily with clay, I also have an affinity for including ‘found objects’ (discarded items from construction sites, demolitions, etc.) in my sculptures. These accoutrements bring an industrialized element to the clay sculptures, adding a new layer to their conceptualization and meaning. The natural rust or aging on these discarded items is similar to the aged patina on the sculptures themselves, but the two have very different origins. I enjoy the visual conversation that is created when juxtaposing these objects with my work.” Wagner has titled the series of pieces for this exhibit, “In Search of Home.” He says these sculptures “…depict the emotional journey…” of his four years living away from Nashville and his “…desperate attempts to return ‘home.’” He shares that he hopes the audience will “…engage the pieces introspectively and perhaps draw parallels…” with him from their own lives “…as they explore their understanding of the word ‘home.’” As his local reputation as an artist has grown, his works are being sought after by collectors (and are available for sale at Centennial Art Center, 301 25th Ave. North, Nashville, TN 37203).
Born and raised in a small town in southern New Jersey – the son of a landscaper – he enjoyed working with the family business and learned at a young age to appreciate the worth of working proficiently with one’s hands. Today, he still finds fulfillment working with his hands, as he says “…digging in the dirt.” Only now, the “dirt” is clay that he forms into primarily figurative sculptures that, he says, explore “…emotional intimacies of the human condition.” His textured ceramic sculptures have added depth and richness of surface via experimental glazing and firing techniques, Wagner says this “…accentuates their already desperate condition.” Of his sculpture, Wagner says, “Although my sculptural work is done primarily with clay, I also have an affinity for including ‘found objects’ (discarded items from construction sites, demolitions, etc.) in my sculptures. These accoutrements bring an industrialized element to the clay sculptures, adding a new layer to their conceptualization and meaning. The natural rust or aging on these discarded items is similar to the aged patina on the sculptures themselves, but the two have very different origins. I enjoy the visual conversation that is created when juxtaposing these objects with my work.” Wagner has titled the series of pieces for this exhibit, “In Search of Home.” He says these sculptures “…depict the emotional journey…” of his four years living away from Nashville and his “…desperate attempts to return ‘home.’” He shares that he hopes the audience will “…engage the pieces introspectively and perhaps draw parallels…” with him from their own lives “…as they explore their understanding of the word ‘home.’” As his local reputation as an artist has grown, his works are being sought after by collectors (and are available for sale at Centennial Art Center, 301 25th Ave. North, Nashville, TN 37203).