Joshua Tasdemir
Seattle, US
Seattle-based artist Joshua Tasdemir, known online as Demir, sees creativity as core of life. “There’s something magical to find within everything if you’re looking for it,” he believes that if you make the choice to seek the magic, even the mundane becomes full of bliss.
Joshua’s artistic practice is a testament to discipline and evolution. With a structured approach, he develops his work through three distinct stages: mini-paintings, artist proofs, and large-form canvases. The mini-paintings serve as vibrant color studies, distilling hues and tones that speak to him. These explorations evolve into artist proofs, culminating in expansive canvases that reflect his larger vision.
At the core of Joshua’s practice is a commitment to connection and inclusivity. Through his free art project, he has shared over 1,400 mini-paintings with individuals across the globe, building meaningful bonds that transcend borders and backgrounds. Rooted in the belief that art is a universal language, his work makes creativity accessible to all. While his exhibitions remain local to Seattle, Joshua envisions future transformative gallery shows that ignite curiosity and inspire connections on a broader scale.
Artist Interview
Q: Many artists struggle with balancing minimalism and expression. How did you develop your minimalist style, and what role does simplicity play in conveying your artistic message?
A: Art is what you choose it to be, but it demands a choice and a sense of purpose. For me, everything begins with the mini-paintings. They are the foundation—an experience that gives rise to the artist's proofs, and ultimately, to the larger works that emerge from them.
I can’t say I developed this process; rather, it feels as though it developed me. Over the years, I’ve painted thousands of these mini-paintings, each one a step in an evolving story. Looking back at my earliest pieces, the transformation is undeniable—they are worlds apart from what I create today.
As I navigated the tension between minimalism and expression, I was forced to laugh through the storm, say bravo, and embrace the struggle. I let the struggle shape me. Of course, I did push back when necessary, but I always remembered, that art itself is a guide. I didn’t obsess over achieving balance; I obsessed with creating with intent, through this I trusted that the balance would follow.
Q: Are there particular artists, art movements, or experiences that have influenced your work over the years? How have these inspirations shaped your approach to art?