Tony & Twila Austin – Dragon’s Rest Studios

Dragon’s Rest Working Studios, Gallery & Dragon Iron Forge

Commissions and one of a kind art works in Metal, Ceramic and Wood

35 Ross Street, Kimberley, B C, Canada, V1A 2B9
Tel: (250) 427- 3599 Toll Free ( 886) 822-2296 email:  tnt_austin@shaw.ca

Artist’s Statement:

The continuing battle of wills required to shape the red hot steel to our vision, keeps drawing us back to the flaming forge and the ringing anvil.

Artists/Artisans Twila and Tony Austin weave their creative magic at Dragon’s Rest Working Studios, Art Gallery and Dragon Iron Forge, on the banks of mystical Mark Creek, in Kimberley, the heart of the East Kootenay.
Both artists work in metal, ceramic and wood. The artists provide enthusiastic support and innovation in developing and promoting both local and regional visual arts opportunities. They work with school and community organizations to develop artistic skills, promote, design and create public art. ‘Coming Home,’ (Seven West Slope Cutthroat Trout) the steel sculpture in the Marysville Eco Park is one of  their recent public art pieces.

Forge, Gallery and Studio Visitors Welcome by Appointment or by Chance.

“Cranbrook Ed”, Downtown Cranbrook, BC
Cranbrook Ed – the story. In 1926 the Floto Circus came to town, some one/thing spooked the elephants and all 14 stampeded out of the little burg of Cranbrook (pop. about 1000) and so began the ‘Great Elephant Hunt’. 11 of the elephants were recovered within the first few days, two more within the next few weeks, one as far away as Moyie Lake, 30km southwest of town.

Charlie Ed later to be christened Cranbrook Ed, eluded capture for about a month and was finally recovered none the worse for wear near Jim Smith Lake, northwest of town. He was a young Indian elephant approximately 5′ high 7′ long and 3’wide. The sculpture is full size.

The base frame is welded square tubing with 1/2″ in square bar ribbing, the 14 gage mild steel ‘skin’ was shaped and welded to the ribbing in 6″ strips. The sculpture was sand blasted and treated with a ferric nitrate rust patina and then painted with a high uv resistant laquer. The total sculpture weighs approximately 1200 lbs.

The project was sponsored by Leadership BC of Cranbrook.

Cranbrook Ed
Cranbrook Ed
Dragon Gate
Dreamcatcher Gate
Dreamcatcher
Forged Salmon
Salmon – detail
Sconce
Dragon Gate – detail
Business Card Holder
Repouse Angel