Today we’d like to introduce you to Joshua Kmak.
Joshua, please kick things off for us by telling us about yourself and your journey so far.
For some reason, ever since I was very young, I was drawn toward the creepy and the macabre. There’s something about the idea of “the unknown” and “the unexplainable” that has always fascinated me. I suppose its something I never really grew out of. The hope that somewhere in the world, magic still exists outside of the day to day that we all fall into so easily.
Somewhere along the lines, I got addicted to the subtle adrenaline rush you get when presented with a horror movie, or a ghost story, or an old urban legend or myth. It’s way different than say the rush you get on a rollercoaster.
I would actually rarely draw as a kid. It always seemed to frustrate me when I couldn’t translate my thoughts to paper. But then again I was a child, and therefore had zero patience. Sometime as recently as 2016 something happened and I sat down and took my time with each line and discovered a new outlet.
If I had to point the finger at a few artists that made me pick up the pen, it would definitely be Edward Gorey and John Kenn Mortensen. They seem to have the same fascination with whatever is under the bed that I do.
Can you give our readers some background on your art?
My art is typically black and white. I love the stark honesty of it. I have an army of Micron pens, and I use them to give people a glimpse into my head. I’m a huge fan of horror. Sometimes I think it might be tied in with the anxiety that I struggle with. Drawing these horrific and creepy scenes that seem hectic on paper gives me a sense of control that I otherwise wouldn’t find in my struggle with this “disorder.” In fact, Ive read that people love horror movies for that exact reason. It’s a panic attack…that you have a remote control for.
But it isn’t all just therapy. I’m obsessed with folklore and mythology, and anytime I draw a monster or write a story about one, I feel as though I have birthed something and released it into a bigger picture. Without imagination, the world wouldn’t be interesting at all.
It’s cool to think about the entire planets creativity as a forest; filled with all matter of things artists create. Writing this made me realize how hard it is to describe WHY someone is a fan of horror. But I like to think that in that forest somewhere, there is a cave. Thats where my art lies, creeping around in the dark.
Life isn’t all work and then weekends. I like to remind people what it’s like to be a kid again; to believe in things. Even if it creeps people out, I like to show people things that go bump in the night, and tell them that there are still a few mysteries left in the world.
Do you think conditions are generally improving for artists? What more can cities and communities do to improve conditions for artists?
I definitely think the conditions nowadays are bittersweet. Social media gives us exposure to parts of the world and people that would otherwise couldn’t be, but at the same time, it’s like being in a crowded theatre in the dark, desperately waving your hands to get someones attention thats down in front looking for you.
We need as many events as we can possibly put on. There should ALWAYS be a show of some sort happening where artists can bring their craft and get more involved in the local scene. More events = Diversity.
For someone like me, horror-themed art shows are few and far between. So I would love to say an array of themed art shows happening on a regular basis more often.
What’s the best way for someone to check out your work and provide support?
I try and limit my social media interaction to as few platforms as possible. I post everything on my Instagram account @thecreepseed.
There’s a link in my bio as well to my other outlet: Music!
I even wrote a creepy fairy tale song called “The Gangly Woman.” Go check it out!
Otherwise, you can always purchase my art or pins that I make at the shows I play or by directly messaging me on my Instagram! That and my Bandcamp are really my only online presence.
Contact Info:
- Email: joshuakmak@gmail.com
- Instagram: @thecreepseed
- Other: creepseed1.bandcamp.com
Image Credit:
Joshua Kmak
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