Album Art: Fishclaw - Monmouths Twelve by Jos in Newcastle upon Tyne

As a musician Jos was taught by renowned folk fiddler, Dave Shepherd of Blowzabella. He has played in numerous bands and worked with the Jazmine Ava Band and Damo Suzuki (of 1970s prog-rock band, Can, fame) and is founding member, viola player, composer and visual artist for acclaimed cinematic folk ensemble, Fishclaw. His sound workshops sparked what is now a key element of the YAK (Young Art Kommunity) programme at Firstsite Gallery and he has been commissioned to write & record numerous compositions for clients including the Royal Academy, Penguin Books, 2Faced Dance Company, Half a String Puppet Theatre and Rosemary Butcher - the latter having featured exhibitions in London and Berlin. His music has always informed his artistic practice to an extent; with influence coming from interest in expressionism, surrealism, science fiction, street art, folklore and mythology. Through his current artwork he incorporates the use of pen and watercolour drawings which are then edited digitally in response to direction from the original artwork’s shapes and colours. In the past his work has been concerned with the urban environment - the rhythms, shapes, crowding figures and shadows and people's response therein to the onslaught of consumerism. More recently this has given way to an interest in the natural environment and our relationship with it - our impact and the mysteries it holds - as well more dreamlike dystopian landscapes. His interest in mythology and folklore has also come more to the fore. He strives to create his own world, keeping a narrative whilst leaving the image open to the viewer's imagination.