Wyoming Artist Spotlight - Wyoming Buffalo Company
Marks Iron & Timber
Written By: Sarah Reish
We spent some time with our Live WYld sponsor Lisa, from Wyoming Buffalo Company. One of the amazing things about Lisa is her avid support and love for Wyoming artisans. Her store is packed with Wyoming made products - if you have not yet, you should visit her store next time your are in Cody. This month, in anticipation of spring, we decided to highlight a Wyoming artist who is a metal worker who makes products that celebrates the outdoors.
Meet The Artist
Mark Erickson is a talented metal worker and his pieces are incredibly detailed, ranging in size from small and detailed to large statement pieces. We have enjoyed his work for years, and we were excited to learn more about his story. Growing up on a farm in Minnesota, Mark shared he spent plenty of time in the shop with a torch and welder to repair the farm equipment. This background led to him having a lifelong interest in metalwork. He graduated with a BS Degree in Vocational Education from Bemidji State University followed by a 38 year career teaching welding and metalwork in a Wyoming high school.
The Art
Mark shared that while he attended art shows throughout his teaching career, making artistic pieces did not happen for quite a while. 15 years ago, he began working on some ideas. After testing the water, he realized that he enjoyed the creative process of creating with metal. After retiring and with the encouragement of family and friends, he turned the hobby into a business. His art includes garden stakes, wind chimes, metal décor, and more!
The Inspiration
I was curious about the creative process. We had seen the bumble bee garden stake, and I fell in love with it. I asked Mark about the inspiration and creative process, and he told us that he spends a lot time enjoying outdoor activities which in turn inspires new ideas. The bumble bee was made a couple of years ago and there are other new creations that haven’t made it to the store. This means, we need to keep our eyes out for new pieces coming to the store! We all have that person who further inspires us, and Mark shared his wife helps him come up with new ideas.
The Process
Space, Mark shared, is an important part of starting a new project, followed by sketches and using Auto Cad for developing a more detailed rendering. Ultimately, he says that it’s a lot of trial and error. Like any project, especially creative, it takes a lot of time to work through a design. Mark shared that it can take time until he is satisfied with an outcome. Each product takes a varying amount of time to complete depending on the detail and complexity of the design.
Community
I felt it was important to ask about the community and how we can support him and other artisans in Wyoming. Mark explained that our community is already a great support to local artists. Many of the custom orders he has received are from current clients and from family and friends of clients. It seems the best way to show our support is to spread the word and refer our friends and family to our favorite local artists.
Keep It Local
The Wyoming Buffalo Company carries products from many Wyoming local artists, like Mark, so be sure to shop local at her store in downtown Cody or online. Thank you, Lisa for connecting us with such a great local artist. Be sure to share your favorite Wyoming Local products and artists on social media. Tag us @LiveWYldMag and use #LiveWYld
