Joshua Ken Abegglen

Personal Biography:

During Joshua Abegglen’s childhood in St. Anthony, Idaho, Saturday morning cartoons played a big influence. He knew at a young age that he wanted to visually tell stories and create animated characters. Having remained singular in this vision, he feels there really weren’t any other career options for him.

Josh’s art is diverse, as he works with a variety of different mediums. His art is informed by a natural curiosity and a desire to work through problems. Viewing art as something of a puzzle, Brother Abegglen takes immense satisfaction in working through the processes necessary to solve those puzzles. He’s recently been taken with the idea of art being transformative, which has led him to lutherie (designing and building stringed instruments). He loves the idea of his art becoming a tool in someone else’s hands to make more art.

Brother Abegglen greatly enjoys teaching at BYU-I, as he studied here when it transitioned from Ricks College to BYU-Idaho. One of his favorite things about teaching here is the coupling of the gospel and learning about art; he wanted to come back and be a part of that process.

If there is one thing Joshua Abegglen wished all students knew, it would be the following: “Be observant to everything around you. Life is so interesting, and there are so many things to draw inspiration from. Try to pay attention to those seemingly small details and take note of them in journals or sketchbooks. Ask questions about what you are observing and look for answers to those questions; they are fuel for creativity”.