Joshua Andres’ was born and raised in Southwest Michigan. At an early age his creativity and attention to detail was evident. Throughout adolescence he was very artistic and expressed it in art class in school as well as at home by building and tinkering with things around the house. More often than not, useful materials were destroyed to re-engineer some new and unique visual masterpieces, functionality aside. It was the first step towards art that Joshua took; aesthetics before function won at that time.

Junior high school fueled the fire as Joshua was introduced formally to art. His art teacher was laid back in life but passionate about art. This creative freedom opened Joshua’s eyes to art and offered him a new perspective. His artistic nature was unlocked and expressed during class. However, in high school Joshua did not take art classes. He remained creative through drafting and design but always felt it was too structured, too 90 degree for him.

After high school Joshua struggled to find his niche. He spent a few years working locally and attending community college to fulfill his basics, but life seemed mundane. Discouraged, Joshua moved to Kalamazoo, Michigan to attend Western Michigan University and find his calling in life.

Originally his curriculum included graphic design but this was also too rigid and structured for Joshua‘s style. Again he was discouraged and didn’t know what to do. That’s when a leap of faith introduced him to Sculpture with professor Al LaVergne. This class would be the turning point for Joshua’s art career. The professors at Western Michigan University really turned Joshua on to art. Learning from practicing artists inspired him to be creative and push limits. All of the art professors were insightful but one definitely stood out; Al LaVergne. Joshua’s sculpture professor pushed him to think about what was being created, to think about its function, its meaning, its existence. LaVergne was Joshua’s motivator and authority straight through to graduation. Each semester he pushed a little harder and expected a little more. By the time Joshua was ready to graduate he had developed a style of sculpture all his own.

After achieving his Bachelor’s of Arts degree Joshua moved back home and started working on a studio in Benton Harbor. He wanted to return to his roots since this was the area that started it all. His functional working studio off of Main street is now where he creates, taking his style learned in school and building on it every day. Joshua’s art speaks of him, his life and the world around him.

Since completion of his degree Joshua has been creating an extensive catalog of work. New and exciting pieces every day. One fueling the passion for the next. He is building a reputation as an artist locally. Growing with every piece, finding his niche. Collaborating with other artists on unique works. Expanding on previous techniques and thinking outside the box. Joshua combines various media types to create a stimulating style that is distinct and fascinating. Each piece is unique and one-of-a-kind. They are hand made for you by the Artist. Joshua takes pride in the fact that every piece he produces contains the same passion and attention to detail as the first one created.

Joshua has public works on display at The Box Factory for the Arts in St. Joseph Michigan and in Benton Harbor Michigan on the Site of what once was The Liberty Theatre. He is currently working on several other public works of art for the surrounding area. He is a member of several artist guilds and shows at various local galleries. He also donates art for local charity auctions and benefits. In the Summer months Joshua participates in many Midwest art fairs and shows. His dream is to build the local focus on art, to bring artisans and patrons into the community, and to have the area known for its local talent. Joshua wants to open a gallery there to display not only his work, but the work of other talented local and emerging artists.