Most of my knowledge of metal fabricating can be traced to my apprenticeship as a Shipfitter at our local Navy Shipyard. -But I knew early on that I needed to use these skills to create art. So, not long after graduating from Apprentice School with honors in 1978, I left the shipyard and set up my own sculpture fabricating studio, Sunburst Metalworks, in Olalla.

I create a wide range of artful projects, I love variety. No mass-production here, every piece is unique – at least to some extent. I produce free-standing and wall-mounted relief sculptures – usually wildlife-related, fine metal signage, and sometimes a combination of those. I work in scales varying from small pieces that you can hold in your hand, to quite monumental.

I also enjoy working with clients to create unique commissioned projects such as furniture, lighting fixtures, architectural fittings and other functional objects, sometimes beginning with magazine photos from which they’ve been inspired...

I work most often in stainless steel and bronze, in addition to mild steel. Recently I have been developing new color patina techniques for copper and bronze. I also enjoy working with weathered, rusty metal for certain effects. Creating sculptures from interesting, shapely found objects, though, is probably my most favorite and fun medium...

Visit my website, www.sunburstmetalworks.com. Get inspired, then come visit my studio and learn more about my creative process... Let’s talk!