Josh Guge – Wood Sculptor

Joshua is 3rd generation wood sculptor, born into a family of very talented artists. At an early age Josh learned the art of wood sculpting from his father and grandfather. Roy Guge, his grandfather, started the family tradition by sculpting duck decoys for hunting. Josh’s father Bob became a full time bird carver, a much sought after teacher, and a five-time World Champion sculptor.

By the age of thirteen Joshua was selling his sculptures to art galleries and began competing by the age of seventeen. He has won several competitions and “Best of Show” honors. In 2000 Joshua began working on a series of cast reproductions for the Danbury Mint. After graduating from Judson University in 2002 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Visual Communications, he began his own wood sculpting company called Fins in Wood. He has also taught art at Westminster Christian School in Elgin, IL and continues to teach children and adults in his home studio, surrounding communities and around the country.

In 2004 Josh and Bob Guge became co-founders of The Guge Institute of Wildlife Art where they continue to sharing their passion his passion for the arts with others. G.I.W.A. classes include painting, carving, sculpting, and drawing. Joshua’s sculptures range from primitive decoys to highly detailed realistic depictions. Each one is carved with the use of power tools, drills, and skilled handwork. They are hand painted original works of art. He uses wood, metals, epoxy, and acrylic paints to create his life like pieces.