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Joshua Tobey
Joshua
Tobey's sculptures reveal as much about his wild subjects as
they do about the human spirit. Joshua's late father, the acclaimed
sculptor Gene Tobey, once said a bear is just a man wearing
a bear costume. Nowhere is that adage truer than in the whimsical
bears of Joshua Tobey who recline lazily, amuse themselves and
show affection toward one other, revealing a glimpse into a
secret world that is not unlike our own.
"My goal is to tell the human story using wildlife,"
Tobey said. "Whether the sculpture is large or small, I
want the animal to make eye contact with the viewer. I want
them to be invited into the story. It's no accident that the
animals often tell us something about ourselves."Whether
Tobey's subjects are soaring skyward, stalking their prey, playfully
wrestling with each other, or curled peacefully in sleep, they
are undeniably the product of an artist for whom the outdoors
is a second home.
Formally trained in sculpture at Western State College in Gunnison,
Colorado, his formative years were influenced by the Southwest
art movement and its focus on culture, wildlife, landscape and
history.
Tobey's body of work is characterized by the continual interaction
of angles, lines and textures that emphasize the soft, silent
language of sculpture. The suggestion of movement --- or the
intent to move --- is a common thread in his work, which possesses
a strong narrative sense, a clear articulation of mood and spirit,
and an intricate knowledge of animal anatomy.
"Within the great tradition of sculpture, Joshua Tobey
has set himself apart as an innovator who employs only the purest
means of artistic expression," said Los Angeles Times art
critic Holly Myers. Inspired by wildlife's vital energy and
broad emotional range, Tobey's sculptures are infused with a
quality that endures the passage of time, trend and taste.
Tobey currently shows in Sedona, Arizona; Palm Desert, California;
Cannon Beach, Oregon; Park City, Utah; Jackson Hole, Wyoming;
and his home city of Santa Fe, New Mexico. His work is part
of the permanent collection at Georgia's Booth Western Art Museum
"Grand Teton"
Bronze by Joshua Tobey, 25"h x 10"w x 14"l, ed.
45, $4,500 (low inventory)
"Legacy" Wall Bronze by Joshua Tobey, 6'h x 27"w
x 4"d, $16,000 (low inventory)
"Cody and Carmel" Bronzes by Joshua Tobey, (Cody
on right-11"h x 4.5"d, Carmel on left-11.5"h
x 5.5"d) ed.75, $1,500 each
To see more Joshua Tobey
bronzes click here
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