Edmonton Artist
Josh Harnack
Statement
My work is an ongoing exploration of finding my voice, and using my passion and skills to help others find theirs. Overcoming cancer as a young adult taught me about the value of time and the importance of authenticity, highlighting the delicate balance between what is within our control and what isn’t. Rather than striving to fit in, I’ve chosen to celebrate the strange, the imperfect, and the extraordinary parts of myself. This gives me the freedom to create my own reality, while leaving the rest to fate.
I specialize in acrylic and oil painting, often weaving symbolism and story into each piece to convey its message. In my work, realism collides with surrealism, and the tangible world bends to the shape of imagination. These distortions reflect the complex dialogues within us—conversations with our fears, hopes, and inner child. In this space, I both reject and come to terms with the concepts of control, embracing the unknown with great intention.
Now, over a decade into remission, my work continues to evolve as a celebration of life’s vibrant contradictions. Each piece invitation to reconnect with the spark of curiosity and wonder we all carry within. Through my art, I hope to inspire others to embrace their inner child, reminding them that the answers they seek may already lie within. Let my work be a prompt for your own journey of self-discovery. Our journey has begun.
Biography
Josh Harnack uses visual art to communicate ideas, thoughts, and emotions to the world. Josh was raised in Edmonton, Alberta, where his spark for the arts began. After graduating highschool in 2012, Josh moved to Vancouver to study film. Over the next three years, Josh’s passion shifted towards fine art. Frankly, he found himself too broke to do anything but stay home and paint. During this time, Josh was diagnosed with cancer on three separate occasions, resulting in surgery, radiation treatment, and, ultimately, chemotherapy. In 2015, Josh moved back home to Edmonton, where he began his professional career as an artist. A couple of years later, Josh graduated with honours from NAIT, majoring in both Graphic Design and Visual Communication while showing his works in exhibitions and galleries across Western Canada. Josh’s work extends to many different mediums but specialized in oil and acrylic painting as well as painting large scale murals. His themes usually center around belonging, or lack thereof, blending in and standing out, and the sheer weirdness of existence. In 2021 Josh published his own book “Make It Till You Make It”, with Golden Meteorite Press documenting his artistic journey as teachable moments for aspiring artists. In 2023, Josh hosted and sold out his own art exhibition called “Train of Thought” where he collaborated with 20 of his favourite Edmonton artists in a fun and whimsical re-inspiration of forgotten art. Josh has received awards and grants in both fine art and design as well as a handful of art residencies in Alberta and BC. His next residency will take place in October 2025 in France. Currently, he’s working on a wide range of projects, focused on creating meaningful and worthwhile art before his time expires.
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