Creativity in the Capital: Josh Fernandez and Frank Stockton talk artistic struggles, commitment to craft and how to carry on

Fernandez has been kicking around Sacramento since 2000. He authored “Spare Parts and Dismemberment,” a poem collection, writes for The Hard Times and his memoir, “The Hands That Crafted the Bomb,” about his life as a anti-facist, is set to be released by PM Press this fall. He also teaches creative writing at Folsom Lake College.

Born and raised in Southern California, Stockton spent time in New York City and Los Angeles, freelancing for media outlets and painting in his studios, before moving to Sacramento in early 2022 to be closer to family. His work has appeared in multiple solo shows and exhibitions around the world.

Fernandez and Stockton talked about their art (and responded to questions provided by a reporter). Here’s a condensed version of their conversation.