How did you get started?
9th grade FFA , Ag class, and it wasn’t long until I was making small art projects. My first real show was a Christmas craft fair where I sold out what I brought with me, and took orders for more. Later I started designing, and making furniture. I even got to design furniture pieces for a really large furniture company. By then I was bringing my sculpture, and maybe some furniture, to a few large art shows in the Southwest. My interest was wildlife, and Native inspired art of the Southwest. I was able to do quite a few life sized pieces which were sold to people from all over, through shows like the Loveland Sculpture Show, and Denver Indian Market. Two of my favorite shows. 2020 and the pandemic brought an end to my Art Show life. And I started focusing on more public art. Through the city of Fruita, I had done tons of functional art around town, and was lucky enough to land the contract for 6 large sculptures in two of the cities’ round about projects. From there, I built my resume, and landed many more contracts. Do you make anything besides these huge sculptures?
Yes, I still make gallery sized sculptures, and take commissions for back yard art, and art for homes. I also have done some painting, but I have more fun trying out new ideas in my welding shop.
Are you ever going to retire?
Probably never completely. I really enjoy what I am doing, and I stay very active in my mind and body working with Art.
I always said I would never be a starving artist. Meaning I can always make a living, (maybe doing non art things). I welded my way through college, and worked in the oil fields, as a welder. I have done structural welding for years, and even industrial demolition. As a kid I was working on a farm/ ranch and ran all kinds of equipment. So, I am familiar with and sometimes schooled in the industrial setting of construction.
Not now, but maybe at some point.
I’m sorry, no. I have tried this a time or two, and it takes me too long to get through a project while teaching how it is done. Maybe at some point I would try it again, but not soon.
The real answer is I don’t know. I do understand that I see things differently than a lot of people. I feel like I am really blessed to have found something I am good at, and I enjoy doing.