Programmer

Jonathan Harris, Brooklyn-based artist and computer scientist, on introversion, the importance of self-initiated work, reclaiming our attention, and the struggle to be content with not knowing what’s next.

Joshua Davis has a natural gift for creating something from nothing. As a child, his artistic talents were nurtured and encouraged by those around him, and with dreams of starting a successful career in fine art, Josh moved to New York City. His plans were derailed, however, when he got caught up in Manhattan’s drug-fueled party scene of the mid–90s. In the span of three months, Josh’s promising path to success was destroyed by addiction, poverty, and homelessness. It was only after everything had been destroyed that he was able to see an opportunity to build something even better. Josh got sober and created a successful new career at the intersection of technology and art. Over a decade later, Josh continues to find opportunity in unlikely places, and inspires all of us to do the same. —Tina