Featured Artist: Josie

We are so excited to feature Josie! A local beading artist, whose vibrant creations perfectly capture the essence of Tucson itself; Josie infuses each unique piece with desert hues, rich climate, and human warmth.

Where are you from?

Born and raised in Tucson.

What got you started making art?

I got into trouble with the law when I was in middle school. I was put on probation and part of my stipulations was to attend therapy sessions. My previous basketball/soccer coach was working at the Tucson Indian Center and there was a beading class that would end with group therapy sessions, so she was able to get me into the classes and the therapy sessions would count towards my probation terms. I ended up really excelling in the beading classes. I caught on quickly and then was able to in return help the person that was sitting next to me catch up if they lost a step or if they didn’t understand. Unfortunately, I stopped beading a year after those classes ended. It wasn’t until I started working at Popcycle, did I begin to bead again. They have been an amazing source of motivation, education, encouragement and support. It’s only been 2 years since I reconnected with beading and although it’s been a little frustrating trying to remember all the techniques I had learned so many years ago, it’s also been fun and relaxing when it all comes together.

What’s your artistic background? (experience, education, etc.)

Besides doing those classes when I was in middle school, it’s kind of been a trial and error Because I am trying to use those same techniques I learned so long in the items I make today.

Who or what are your biggest artists’ influences?

Linnie from Tough Kitty Designs. she is always striving to improve her artwork while uplifting other artists. It’s been awesome to see her grow not only her art but her business firsthand. She’s so supportive that she makes me want to conquer the world!

Where do you get your inspiration for your art?

I get my inspiration from everything all around me, from Painted buildings, cars, T-shirts, cactus flowers, memories of my childhood. Our Tucson sunsets is the main inspiration and so I incorporate those colors of orange, red and yellow into my work beadwork.. I actually made a pair of beaded star earrings with colors I saw on a person’s polo shirt during the Made in Tucson event.

Anything else?

I also host Indigenous Markets at the Coalition space. And we just recently held an art show to raise awareness and funds for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Peoples

What brought you to BICAS?

I have first heard of BICAS years ago. My mom had recently passed away and I had her beach cruiser bike and instead of throwing it out I wanted to fix it up so that it was rideable again. headed over to BICAS for bike maintenance, but didn’t realize that it was a hands-on type of thing which I thought was really cool. so instead of just handing over a bike, you actually get to be part of the process of fixing your bike learning about your bike and just learning new skills.