joshua cook

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I’m Joshua Cook, a Chicago-based portrait and figurative painter inspired by my community, family, and African American heritage. My work captures authentic, multifaceted stories of human connection, celebrating everyday life while exploring identity, memory, and relationships. I hold a Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design from Hampton University. I tend to combine traditional (Oil & Acrylic) and digital media (Adobe & Procreate) to create bold, emotionally resonant portraiture. Each piece reflects my lived experiences, from my own mother’s resilience to the vibrancy of Chicago, blending personal storytelling with broader cultural narratives. Through using authenticity and emotional depth, my art aims to inspire connection and self-discovery. With vivid portrayals of shared moments and individual journeys, I strive to honor the richness of African American culture and the beauty of human relationships. My journey reflects dedication to preserving stories that celebrate the power of art to connect and transform.

ILA Creative Studio is an organization with a clear mission of connecting Black artists to resources that help elevate their individual purpose. We know that barriers to access, and limited visibility can become frustrating for artists of color, and we exist to serve as both a resource and restoration for artists who find themselves in need. It's not always easy to create from a place of limits, but these artists show us that their imaginative creative spirit is limitless. To remind them of their power, their influence, and their gifts, so that they may feel empowered to keep sharing what was so purposefully planted inside of them.