At the age of thirteen Joshua began his art career by selling his sculptures to art galleries. By the age of seventeen he began competing in numerous art competitions around the country where he has won many “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 Guge Art Inc. He has also taught art at Westminster Christian School in Elgin, Illinois. Josh 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 and Art Studio. This studio is located in Elgin, Illinois. Guge Institute classes include painting, carving, sculpting, drawing, airbrush, design and more.
Josh achieved one of his lifelong dreams in 2009, by becoming a World Champion sculptor. He won world titles in both the life-size and miniature divisions at the World Fish Carving Championships. In 2011, Josh became a three-time World Champion sculptor by winning “Best in World” Lifesize Category at the World Fish Carving Championship. In 2016, 2017 and 2019 he placed in the World life sized division at the Ward World Championships; he placed third in World lifesize in 2024. He has also won best in show at the international congress show 2016 and 2017. At the World Fish Carving Championships in 2024 he placed Best in World Lifesize. He has been accepted into the “Bird in Art” exhibit in 2016, 2017, and 2018. He has been accepted into the “Bird in Art” exhibit 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2021.