In the bustling city of Baltimore, Maryland, a young visionary by the name of Joshua Beckett emerged onto the artistic scene. From an early age, Joshua found solace and excitement in the worlds of video games and cartoons, immersing himself in the spirited battles of Tekken at the local arcade and sharing animated adventures with his father.
Drawn to the vibrant and captivating visuals of action-oriented comics and visual media, Joshua's passion ignited a burning desire within him to master the very skills and techniques that brought these fantastical realms to life. Fueling his ambition with unwavering determination, he embarked on a solitary journey of self-study, meticulously honing his abilities in the art of drawing and inking.
However, Joshua's thirst for knowledge and the yearning to connect with like-minded individuals led him to a pivotal crossroads. In 2015, he took a bold step and earned his first degree, an A.A. in paralegal studies from the esteemed Baltimore City Community College. Yet, his artistic calling beckoned him further, and he resolved to pursue his true passion by enrolling at Montserrat College of Art.
Guided by esteemed mentors and surrounded by a community of passionate artists, Joshua immersed himself in the world of illustration, refining his craft and expanding his creative horizons. It was in this nurturing environment that he found the platform to express his unique vision, captivate hearts, and evoke powerful emotions through his art.
In 2017, armed with an unyielding spirit and a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Illustration, Joshua Beckett proudly stepped into the realm of professional artistry. From that moment forward, his journey would transcend the realms of imagination, as he ventured forth to leave an indelible mark on the art world with his bold strokes, meticulous details, and boundless creativity.
This is the story of Hood Tendacies, an illustrator whose path weaves through the tapestry of life, passion, and the pursuit of artistic mastery. It is a tale of self-discovery, relentless dedication, and the unyielding spirit of a young visionary, poised to carve his name in the annals of artistic greatness.
Drawn to the vibrant and captivating visuals of action-oriented comics and visual media, Joshua's passion ignited a burning desire within him to master the very skills and techniques that brought these fantastical realms to life. Fueling his ambition with unwavering determination, he embarked on a solitary journey of self-study, meticulously honing his abilities in the art of drawing and inking.
However, Joshua's thirst for knowledge and the yearning to connect with like-minded individuals led him to a pivotal crossroads. In 2015, he took a bold step and earned his first degree, an A.A. in paralegal studies from the esteemed Baltimore City Community College. Yet, his artistic calling beckoned him further, and he resolved to pursue his true passion by enrolling at Montserrat College of Art.
Guided by esteemed mentors and surrounded by a community of passionate artists, Joshua immersed himself in the world of illustration, refining his craft and expanding his creative horizons. It was in this nurturing environment that he found the platform to express his unique vision, captivate hearts, and evoke powerful emotions through his art.
In 2017, armed with an unyielding spirit and a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Illustration, Joshua Beckett proudly stepped into the realm of professional artistry. From that moment forward, his journey would transcend the realms of imagination, as he ventured forth to leave an indelible mark on the art world with his bold strokes, meticulous details, and boundless creativity.
This is the story of Hood Tendacies, an illustrator whose path weaves through the tapestry of life, passion, and the pursuit of artistic mastery. It is a tale of self-discovery, relentless dedication, and the unyielding spirit of a young visionary, poised to carve his name in the annals of artistic greatness.
Artist Statement
Joshua embarks on a transformative journey of self-discovery and personal growth, using his experiences and challenges as a foundation for a lifelong body of work. Through his art, he fearlessly channels honest and fresh perspectives on the lives of Black men, striving to inspire future generations to embrace art on their own terms, just as he was inspired in his youth. With a captivating blend of overt and subtle references, his creations reflect the early childhood influences that shaped him, incorporating dramatic flair, powerful poses, and evocative character designs. Openly delving into his upbringing in the "hood," Joshua seamlessly weaves elements of violence, sexuality, and drug culture, giving form to the chaotic and tumultuous experiences shared by many from his background. Vibrant, authentic, and expressive, his artwork transcends the ordinary, offering a vivid glimpse into a world brimming with color and emotion.
Joshua embarks on a transformative journey of self-discovery and personal growth, using his experiences and challenges as a foundation for a lifelong body of work. Through his art, he fearlessly channels honest and fresh perspectives on the lives of Black men, striving to inspire future generations to embrace art on their own terms, just as he was inspired in his youth. With a captivating blend of overt and subtle references, his creations reflect the early childhood influences that shaped him, incorporating dramatic flair, powerful poses, and evocative character designs. Openly delving into his upbringing in the "hood," Joshua seamlessly weaves elements of violence, sexuality, and drug culture, giving form to the chaotic and tumultuous experiences shared by many from his background. Vibrant, authentic, and expressive, his artwork transcends the ordinary, offering a vivid glimpse into a world brimming with color and emotion.
CV LIST
Shows//Galleries//Competitions
Rx : A Prescribed Art Experience - AoA Supply Graff Shop - Group Showing - 2023
A Loving Pain - Solo Exhibition - 2022
Illustrated World Series - Samsung at Kings Cross - Competitor - 2021
Salem Art Gallery - Satanic Temple - Wolf Theme Art Show - 2022
Pancakes and Booze - Group Exhibition - 2022
Montserrat Schlossberg Gallery - Montserrat College of Art - BSU show - 2022
Illustrated World Series- Masters Edition - 2022
Gallery 263 - Small Works Project - Gallery 263 - 2022
Art Saint Hope - Artist Showcase - 2022
AoA Supply - AoA Supply Graff Shop/Gallery - Character is Key 2 - 2022
301 Gallery - Montserrat College of Art - Honest Intentions - 2021
PUAM - City of Salem - What does freedom look like - 2021
Illustrated World series - Twitch - semi finalist - 2021
PUAM - City of Salem - What Does it Mean to Be Free - 2020
Salem Arts Fest - City of Salem - 2019
Salem Ink Gallery - Salem Ink Tattoo Shop - Dreams Solo Show - 2017
Beverly Comic Con - Porter Mill Studios - 2017
301 Gallery - Montserrat College of Art - Illustration Theme Show - 2015
Publications
Honest Intentions - The Bay State Banner article - 2021
IWS article -Buzzfeed 2021 World Illustration Championships - 2021
Artscope Magazine - Josh Beckett: Honest Intentions - 2021
Montserrat College of Art Icons - 2021
Beverly Comic Con 4 - North of Boston article - 2017
Clients List
Mass General Hospital
Always Believe in Yourself
The Tane
Myk Benjamin
Harmonix
Shows//Galleries//Competitions
Rx : A Prescribed Art Experience - AoA Supply Graff Shop - Group Showing - 2023
A Loving Pain - Solo Exhibition - 2022
Illustrated World Series - Samsung at Kings Cross - Competitor - 2021
Salem Art Gallery - Satanic Temple - Wolf Theme Art Show - 2022
Pancakes and Booze - Group Exhibition - 2022
Montserrat Schlossberg Gallery - Montserrat College of Art - BSU show - 2022
Illustrated World Series- Masters Edition - 2022
Gallery 263 - Small Works Project - Gallery 263 - 2022
Art Saint Hope - Artist Showcase - 2022
AoA Supply - AoA Supply Graff Shop/Gallery - Character is Key 2 - 2022
301 Gallery - Montserrat College of Art - Honest Intentions - 2021
PUAM - City of Salem - What does freedom look like - 2021
Illustrated World series - Twitch - semi finalist - 2021
PUAM - City of Salem - What Does it Mean to Be Free - 2020
Salem Arts Fest - City of Salem - 2019
Salem Ink Gallery - Salem Ink Tattoo Shop - Dreams Solo Show - 2017
Beverly Comic Con - Porter Mill Studios - 2017
301 Gallery - Montserrat College of Art - Illustration Theme Show - 2015
Publications
Honest Intentions - The Bay State Banner article - 2021
IWS article -Buzzfeed 2021 World Illustration Championships - 2021
Artscope Magazine - Josh Beckett: Honest Intentions - 2021
Montserrat College of Art Icons - 2021
Beverly Comic Con 4 - North of Boston article - 2017
Clients List
Mass General Hospital
Always Believe in Yourself
The Tane
Myk Benjamin
Harmonix