As a child Dwayne spent hours cutting and shaping pieces of cardboard paper to create 3D models of motorcycles. Carefully forming each part to fit the bike perfectly and create a replica of an authentic motorcycle. Dwayne's artist talents emerged at a very young age. A self taught artist, Dwayne S. Cranford, a Colorado native, learned his welding skills in a foundry and took them with him to serve in the United States Army. Later Dwayne spent his days installing natural gas pipeline. On his days off as a hobby he began applying his welding skills to create steel sculptures. His figurative sculptures are created from materials such as bike chains, concrete nails and scrap steel that had been discarded. Eight years ago he began combining stone with the metal to create durable, weatherproof furniture. Jillian, helps out in the shop with assembly and picking up supplies. Her other duties are maintaining the office, website, bookkeeping, marketing, sales, pr relations, shipping and more. The construction of the furniture is done solely by Dwayne & Jillian to ensure the quality and consistency.
Cranford's work has been shown around Colorado, Nevada, California, Texas, Wyoming, Minnesota and in other parts of the United States. It can be found at The Pine Haven, Estes Park (CO), The City of Lone Tree, (CO), City of Heath, (TX), The Best Western Pioneer, Lusk (WY) Sedona, AZ and numerous private collections.
Artist Statement
My rock chairs have been compared to something found on the set of the Flintstones, but great care is given to ensure they are both aesthetically pleasing and comfortable. The stone added to discarded steel results in functional furniture inspired by Mother Nature. They are not only weatherproof, but integrate easily into landscapes and cityscapes without intruding on the surrounding beauty.
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