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 kills 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. He recently began combining stone with the metal to create durable, weatherproof furniture.
Cranford’s work has been shown around Colorado, Nevada, California, Texas, Wyoming and in other parts of the United States. It can be found at The Inn At Aspen, Aspen (CO), The Best Western Pioneer Court, Lusk (WY) 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.