Joshua Tobey, Bronze Sculptor

Joshua Tobey’s impressionistic wildlife bronze sculptures are sometimes called whimsical, but they also depict the interdependence of wildlife and humanity by revealing aspects of human emotion, experience and culture through wildlife sculpture. “As a sculptor, I consistently return to the original education I received from my father who said that sculpture is first and foremost about shape and form,” says Joshua. “All shapes in nature are beautiful by themselves without personality or story line, so when you look at my work I want you to be inspired to explore these forms by touching the smooth surfaces and curved lines of the bronze. It’s from these interactive shapes that expressive personalities, anthropomorphic traits and wider concepts begin to emerge.”

Joshua grew up in Santa Fe, New Mexico. The son of renowned ceramic and bronze sculptors Gene and Rebecca Tobey, Joshua began sculpting in clay and casting in bronze at the age of six. He earned his bachelor of fine arts degree from Western State College in Colorado and then returned home to apprentice with his father and step-mother. Today, Joshua’s sculptures range from 2.5 inches to life size. He is also renowned for his colorful, contemporary patina work.

Several national publications have featured Joshua’s work. He was the poster artist for the 2012 Loveland Sculpture in the Park show and the featured artist at the 2014 Jackson Hole Fall Arts Festival. His public sculptures can be found at sites in Colorado, Hawaii, Florida and Arizona. Joshua has participated in museum shows at the Vernon Filly Art Museum, Wheelwright Museum of the American Indian, Minneapolis Institute of Art, National Museum of Wildlife Art and Buffalo Bill Center of the West.