Josh Bashford holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree with Honours from the University of Canterbury. Since graduating, he has been working as a busy full-time artist in his home studio in Little River, Banks Peninsula. Josh’s work has been exhibited in several galleries throughout New Zealand and is included in numerous private collections. In 2016 he was a finalist in the prestigious Wallace awards. 

Josh’s distinctive large-scale woodblock prints are intricately carved and feature diverse motifs. He frequently employs a monochrome or limited colour palette which allows the repetitive, fluid design of his compositions to take centre stage. Of mixed Palagi and Samoan heritage, Josh’s work is informed by his Christian faith and his cultural connection to Samoa, alongside themes exploring the restorative qualities of nature, family and kinship. A keen ‘outdoorsman’, Josh’s work often features subject matter found in his local environment, including birds, fish, land and sea forms. 

 “My work is heavily inspired by the landscapes I pass through, especially around the waters of Lake Forsyth (Te Roto o Wairewa) and Lake Ellesmere (Te Waihora). I have grown up around these lakes, fishing in the local river, and have spent hours waiting, watching the changes of light and movement, miles away in thought.” – Josh Bashford