Josh Bunch paints not just what he sees, but what he feels — and what he remembers. A child of Eastern Kentucky, Josh channels his roots, faith, and music into vibrant, layered works that pulse with memory and meaning. His art is deeply personal, yet universally human — capturing the spirit of a community, the ache of loss, the joy of creation, and the unseen beauty that still lingers in forgotten places. Through bold color and raw emotion, Josh invites us into his world — one shaped by Slabtown streets, gospel rhythms, and the soulful resilience of Appalachian life. Every piece is a visual conversation — one that honors the past while calling us to see the present more clearly.
This evocative painting by Josh Bunch was created as a deeply personal 50th birthday gift for a client’s husband — a history enthusiast with a profound admiration for Daniel Boone. Josh approached the commission with his signature depth and intentionality, spending time interviewing the client to understand not only the subject, but the emotional resonance it should carry.
The result is a powerful and contemplative scene: Daniel Boone, rendered in Josh’s rich, expressive style, kneels at the grave of his son — a reference to the true and tragic loss Boone endured on his family’s early journey into Kentucky. The figure’s posture, the carved cross, and the sweeping sky convey sorrow, resolve, and legacy in a single frame. More than a painting, this is an act of remembrance — both of Boone’s sacrifice and of the timeless connection between land, loss, and the human spirit.
Josh’s commissioned pieces are more than portraits or depictions — they are emotional narratives, carefully shaped to honor the stories they tell.
