The Artist

Joshua David Bunch, (J. Spanky Bunch) is an Eastern Kentucky multimedia artist, best known for his colorful, mixed media works that depict frenetic scenes of music and spirituality. He was born on August 25, 1979, in Corbin, KY, to Alfred and Cathy Bunch. Josh is the proud father of three daughters, Kambree Aliyah, Kinsley Reece, and Karamya Tait.

Josh grew up in Williamsburg, KY, in a community known as "Slabtown". He received the nickname, "Spanky" while participating in Little League Baseball, due to his strong resemblance to the character on "The Little Rascals", and the nickname stuck.

Much, of Josh's art work, expresses a deep seeded sentimentality, for having grown up in small town, KY. Consistent themes in his art work, concern his spirituality, his interest in music, and his passionate interpretation of Eastern KY living.

The Slabtown community where Josh spent his childhood, has been demolished, in order to accommodate for the expansion of The University of the Cumberlands. Josh says, "Most, of the landmarks of my childhood, were bulldozed. Slabtown was a beautiful place...neighbors were like family, and growing up there was idealistic. I feel like, the spirit of Slabtown, and to some extent, my innocence, live on in my humble works of art. There is no doubt that my work, and my perspective on life, have been dynamically effected, as a result of those precious life experiences. I create, from such experiences, a visual representation of the people, places, and passion, that make my world go around. It is my hope, that the viewers of my work, and I, might share some common ground. I feel that my art has served a supreme purpose, if, on this common ground, another person feels understood. I have never tried to capture the world as it appears to be, but have attempted to confront, in a rendering, what remains unseen."

Josh credits his parents with any success he has had. "My parents are hardworking, (Both are retired teachers.) God fearing folks, As a child, I saw first hand, unconditional love in our home. I know that without their prayers, guidance, and support, I would be traveling down a much different path."

He also credits his high school art teacher, Janis West Traveny, and the Governor's School for the Arts (GSA), for shaping his artistic path. "Mrs. Trav is the best!!! She encouraged me to apply for the Governor's School for the Arts, from which I graduated in 1998. You just can't explain GSA, other than to say, it is life changing."

Josh hopes, that through his artistic expression, he might gain a favorable audience for discussion of the issues facing Eastern KY. "Our mountain folks are suffering tremendously from the drug epidemic, and the war on coal. Communicable diseases are spreading like wildfire through the illicit drug use, which is also driving the crime rates. Our population is dwindling due to the floundering coal industry and folks are moving away for opportunities. What these mountains, and hollers are left with, are meth houses, and a deteriorating public infrastructure. We now have discarded and toxic needles strewn about the parking lots, and back roads. In spite of all this, there is and undaunted beauty and pride in the mountains, that are not beyond recovery. I hope that through the language of visual arts, I can bring attention to this strife, and start a conversation about how to make things better."

"God has been so good to me and I am so thankful that he gave me a voice, through artistic expression. I hope I can bring honor to Him and to my family."

Kinsley, Karamya & Kambree

God bless each of you on your journey........Thank you for the visit!  -Josh