THE SANTA ROSA ORIGINAL CERTIFIED FARMERS MARKET

In the heart of Northern California’s picturesque Russian River area, a hidden gem awaits discovery—a world where discarded materials find new life. Here, amidst the vibrant hustle and bustle of the Santa Rosa Original Farmers Market, you’ll find Josh Roth, the resourceful artist behind Wine Country Garden Art, a master of transforming recycled materials into whimsical sculptures that dance with life.

Josh’s journey into the world of three-dimensional art began unexpectedly, sparked by a moment of inspiration over a decade ago. “I’ve been an artist my whole life,” he shares, reflecting on his journey. “I was an illustrator, doing black and white illustration for years before I ever did anything 3D. And I don’t know exactly what inspired me. I just got it in me one day to make something 3D, and that’s where it started about 12 years ago.”

For over a decade, Josh has been a prominent vendor at the Santa Rosa Original Farmers Market, infusing our market with his vibrant garden art. His choice to utilize recycled materials is both practical and poetic. “What inspired me to work with recycled materials,” he elaborates, “was the abundance of materials readily available, especially in Wine Country, for example, there are tons of old wine barrels.” Demonstrating his resourcefulness, Josh repurposes these barrels into functional works of art, such as charming footbridges that lend a rustic elegance to any garden setting. Utilizing the whole barrel, he then skillfully hand bends the metal barrel hoops into intricate sculptures, like heart shapes.

Every material Josh uses serves a different purpose, whispering to him and guiding his creative process. From old knife blades, he fashions angel wings, while scrap metal transforms into detailed sea creatures, and rusty sheet metal salvaged from old car hoods becomes majestic trees. “The metal or the material inspires me,” he reflects. “Often, it’s the materials themselves that dictate the form they ultimately take.”

Consider the cosmic side tables with spray-painted universes, originally remnants from the Hilton Hotel in Santa Rosa, left behind after the devastating Tubbs Fire of 2017. They appeared beyond repair—charred and broken. Where others might see only trash and reminders of sadness, Josh sees potential and hope, turning tragedy into triumph through his artistry. With his magic touch, they underwent a remarkable metamorphosis, emerging from the ashes as vibrant and revitalized pieces of functional art, breathing new life into the remnants of destruction.

Among Josh’s diverse collection of sculptures, a standout series features gun pieces crafted from unconventional materials. Despite him not having a particular interest in guns, these sculptures carry a deep message. Unlike typical gun sculptures, which use real gun parts, Josh’s creations are made from mainly old musical instrument pieces. Through this unique approach, Josh encourages viewers to think about the connection between violence and harmony. By transforming ordinary objects into thought-provoking art, Josh sparks conversations about redemption and the potential for positive change.

But Josh’s creativity knows no bounds. “For the future, I might have some pieces like reverse perspective drawings or sculptures out here,” he shares eagerly. Reverse perspective is a type of artistic technique where objects in a scene are positioned between the point of projection and the viewer’s plane, resulting in a unique visual effect.

Josh’s devotion to his craft remains steadfast, with his artistry serving as a testament to his limitless passion. “I have no spare time,” he laughs. “My art is my obsession.” From scouring thrift stores for silverware to hunting down rusty sheet metal at Pick And Pull, Josh’s commitment to his craft is evident in every piece he creates. “My artwork is spontaneous, and what comes to mind comes to life,” he muses. “So there’s always something new to look at and you can expect to see things that you’ve never seen anywhere before.”

Josh’s story unfolds a perspective that is both inspiring and uplifting, that is why he is the Santa Rosa Original Farmers Market’s ‘Vendor of the Month’. The fact that he can take the abundance of recycled materials in wine country, where most of us would see as waste, he sees an opportunity

—the opportunity to turn forgotten relics into cherished works of art. It’s a philosophy deeply rooted in his love for the environment and a desire to make a positive impact on the world, one sculpture at a time.