Joseph Oxley
Joseph is a 26 year old multi-racial (bajan, cuban, and native american) artist currently living in New York City. They are the owner and designer of things.dsn, a brand dedicated to artistry in a world quickly becoming consumed by fast fashion, trends, and the ever gaping maw of capitalism. A self taught artist, Joseph’s most recent artistic endeavor, Bows & Ribbons began in 2022 with a deep dive into the cultural significance of bows in Japanese society. Intrigued by the duality of the seemingly simple accessory that can be found in both business attire and the eclectic hyper feminine style of lolita, they pushed it a step forward with a creation that stands as a testament to the nonbinary fluidity of the bow.
What goes through your mind before, during, and after you create something?
Before creating I observe often. I take in information through visual and sensory cues. Naturally decay is what inspires me the most. The cracking of a side walk, the moss growing in dark corners or sunburned paper. Next I think about how those colors, sounds, and experiences surrounding the moments of beauty I capture can be translated into something else. I also take into account what materials I have access to and what materials I need. Most recently the bows came to me simply because I wanted to cover a stain on an outfit. I was sewing and spilt coffee on my shirt. At that moment I picked up the scrap fabric from a different project and pinned it on my shirt. And from there I developed the idea. My favorite bow is Cigs. I dye the white fabric with coffee to enhance the burnt texture. Replicating debris and destruction that I have observed. My creative process comes and develops from my experiences. Rarely do I watch movies or stay up to date with trends and current events. I don’t really like external research because I feel it will disrupt my natural inspiration and creativity.
What does it mean to choose art not fashion in a society that pushes capitalizing on the latter?
To choose art means to choose with money and intention. To support an artist means to support a life. It also means to dedicate more time and energy. Capitalism makes everything fast, cheap, and trash, To choose art means to allow yourself to only observe while someone else owns and consumes. Capitalism means get in line and soon it can be yours as well. Art is simple and rare and sometimes it means we can access it, and sometimes we can’t. Art in fashion is craftsmanship and good materials. Art in fashion is rare because even the artist must spend time and money in order to create under the pressure of capitalism.
Do you have any advice for other aspiring artists or to your future self?
Advice. Follow the voice that says don’t. Be a rebel. Wear what you are scared to wear and make what you feel like no one will like. If you like it that’s all that matters. And tell everyone who you are. And as you practice this, you will also learn more of who you are.
What three words would you use to describe yourself as an artist and why?
- Minimal: I work with less to get more out of materials. Intentional perhaps?
- Confined: I try to keep things small because I can get distracted in what I can create instead of focusing on what I am creating so I try to focus deeper on smaller projects.
- Expansive: I’m not confident by any measures or definitions so one day my inspiration will lead my down a different path, and I will follow. Inspired by more than what my “label” says. For instance folks who wear designer or athletic only. That’s too specific…I could never.
Why were you drawn to bows of all shapes?
I love how bi they can be. Non binary to be specific. I’m non binary so to see a bow was to see myself. I love how fluid it is and though it’s becoming a trendy thing I feel my bows are timeless and beautiful. My father also made bows for men when he was young. So I’m sure my subconscious lead me back to that.
Joseph’s brand is an attestation to what can be achieved when you allow creativity and passion to guide you. In a world ruled by clocks and numbers it feels so hard to find the inner patience required to trust in your artistic vision. Do not let fear of failure ever stop you from taking the first step down the path that calls to you.
The bows in this collection are still available on a made to order construction process as all the fabrics are sourced directly from Japan, and can be purchased from their instagram account @things.dsn. Joseph is also currently working on a new project in the form of organic lamps made from locally sourced materials. You can continue to follow their journey as an artist on their main instagram account @things.jospehoxley.
Thank you for reading about their journey and before you leave ask yourself this question, can you remember who you were, before the world told you who you should be?