An early interest in art and an insatiable curiosity about the natural world led Don to study both intensively, up to and throughout college.  A chance introduction to a simple arc welder in a sculpture class allowed him to find his “voice” as an artist and set him on the path he still follows today.  After earning his BFA from the University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee in 1995, Don began showing his work throughout the US and abroad. A life-long love of birds, and an artists drive to explore new possibilities, has provided him with an unending supply of inspiration ever since.

Don refers to his creative process as “sketching in space”, as he generally prefers to compose his sculptures directly in three dimensions, foregoing pencil and paper, and working directly in metal.  The strength of the material, combined with years of refining his skills as a welder, allow him to create delicate, seemingly weightless compositions that are refined yet still show the artists hand at work.

In edition to the Gallery of Artists events, Don’s work has been included in numerous museum exhibitions including 10 nearly consecutive years in the Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museums “Birds in Art” and the Wendell Gilley Museum, where his solo show “Forged into Flight” was shown for the 2010 season.

Visit Dale's Portfolio on his website!