photography | DEOGRACIAS LERMA
JOSH STOUT | ARTIST | CINCINNATI, OH
What was your first job?
Technically, my first job was as a “paperboy”. I delivered the Northwest Press to local businesses in Colerain. It was really more my Mom’s job though as she was the one that drove me around. Pushing shopping carts at Bigg’s grocery store was probably my first “real” job.
If you weren’t a ________, what would you be doing?
If I weren’t an artist, I’d probably be teaching. I was an academic advisor at UC for 8+ years and got to teach a, ‘Professional Development’ course while I was there. I always liked teaching and interacting with students.
What did you eat today?
So far today, I’ve had a cappuccino, protein shake, stuffed grape leaves, and crackers with hummus.
What is your favorite place to grab a bite?
Currently, I’m really digging Daylily over in Columbia Tusculum.
What is a skill or talent that you’ve always wanted to learn?
I have always wanted to learn to play piano. Just one song. Just enough to casually sit down at a piano at a party and surprise people.
What inspires you to create?
My wife and daughter are numero uno on that front. Secondly, I’d say I’m inspired to create in order to just make a funner, more colorful world. It can get pretty dreary out there.
What are you reading at the moment?
Right now I’m finishing the Yoko Ono biography, YOKO by David Sheff. That’s coming to an end, so I have, A Man Called Ove on deck. I will say, I just finished, The Country Under Heaven by Frederic S. Durbin recently, and it is my new all-time favorite book. Shout out to the Bookery for having it on the shelf.
Any movies or shows you’d recommend?
Superman is a must see for me. I saw it twice at the theatre and once on HBO. SO GOOD. Leaves you feeling optimistic about the world. On the TV front, Apple TV has been on a tear. Severance, Your Friends and Neighbors, Sugar…I’d recommend them all.
What are you currently working on or have recently completed?
I’m still doing my weekly Bengals illustrations and I’m hoping to start a mural in Camp Washington soon. Still waiting on the grant to hopefully go through. I just finished painting a motorcycle trailer in Burlington, KY which was a blast to do.
What is something you’re passionate about?
Public art, the environment, and supporting sustainable farming. Trying to compost and go to Turner Farms more for our food.
When you were little, what did you want to be when you grew up?
I wanted to play shortstop for the Baltimore Orioles. Then I wanted to throw fish at the market in Seattle after watching an episode of, The Real World, haha.
What are your music go tos?
I tend to listen to the same thing over and over again. Right now my playlist is made up of mostly, First Aid Kit, Sierra Ferrell, Colter Wall, and Brandi Carlile.
Know any good podcasts?
I like Smartless and Good Hang.
How do you define success in your creative pursuits?
I would define it by feeling satisfied creatively and financially at the end of the job.
Describe your best day ever?
I’d wake up in Vondel Park Amsterdam with my wife and daughter. We’d be staying at a place called, “Pillows” that my wife and I stayed at on our honeymoon. There was a horse outside of our window. We’d walk and get coffee and breakfast, take the tram to the contemporary art museum, and enjoy the park. Then ideally, I’d go to work on a mural that required a boom lift. I LOVE being 20 feet up on a wall with just spray paint and the sounds of the world around me. Afterwards, we’d all go get some food and take in a show. The last time we were there, we saw Frankenstein in a theatre where someone was composing the soundtrack on piano and someone else was performing foley for the movie. I’d end the day with putting our daughter to sleep (easily), so my wife and I could hang out kidless and chat for an hour or two before bed.
