Another distinct feature of Josh’s art is his original and contemporary patina work, which he has continued to develop over time to incorporate a visual texture onto the surface of each bronze. The artist views the patina as its own artistic composition, a notion that sets him apart in the world of sculpture, as it brings the piece into a lively existence and contributes to the tangibility and interactive quality of the work. “My patinas have developed to the point where every new piece is the cutting edge in my studio,” says Josh.
The notion of play that brought about some of Josh’s very first artworks is still alive and well in his Colorado studio with his development of one-of-a-kind bronze reliefs. What began as a sculpting exercise and playful experimentation with patina, subject matter and composition has now evolved into a full body of work. These one-of-a-kind bronzes are like pages from the sculptor’s sketchbook; their rarity not only provides tremendous value to the collector as Josh produces only a few per year, but also acts as another personal connection between artist and collector.
Josh currently lives in Loveland, Colorado with his wife Josephine who oversees production and management of Joshua Tobey Studios. Josh and Josephine have developed a worldwide collector base for JTS, which is Josh’s biggest motivation as an artist. “The collector is very important to me,” he says. “The greatest award I could receive as an artist is when somebody appreciates my work. I’ve got people who bet on me, who have supported me, and in doing so have enabled me to work harder to come up with new concepts for bronzes. Further developing the work is the artist’s responsibility to the collector and to the spirit of the art.”
