Hats
The value of the Cowboy hat lies with its numerous interpretations in American culture. For us, the symbol of the hat represents those who work and are attached to the land.
While sketching and forging these steel hat sculptures, we often contemplate the personalities who tirelessly labor in the countryside under the protection of a wide brim. These invaluable characters work the land year-round to produce the vegetables, grains and livestock we consume at our tables.
Some hats are more literal interpretations of Western hats and culture. By contrast, “Cayman Jewel” is a twist on the traditional cowboy hat. The texture of the steel was hand-carved with a dremel to mimic the cayman alligator skin used in Western clothing and accessories. We added bright copper turquoise jewels to an intricately braided hatband to contradict the typical masculine nature of the Western hat. This piece is playfully lustrous and gaudy. One of our newest pieces “Princess” is fashioned after the popular rose-adorned cowgirl hat; this sculpture commemorates the feminine cowgirl. While the finish is clean and polished, “Princess” also represents the grit and strength of the rose of the rodeo. In the studio, we see a hat as more than a sunshade. A hat can be a symbol of culture, history, and our beautiful Western nature.
Some of the hats pictured have also been commissioned to commemorate a specific person or personality that a client has requested.
Each hat generally weighs 6-8 pounds and is forged of 16-gauge mild sheet steel. They can be mounted on a wall or sit on a custom-made hat stand. The sculptures are top-coated with a durable lacquer finish to ensure their pristine color and quality stays intact.
2016 – Present
2011 – 2015
2005 – 2010
