Conversations with Fred Clifford

Today we’d like to introduce you to Fred Clifford. 

Hi Fred, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstories.
I have always valued creativity. Creating something that you envisioned with your own two hands has always provided balance in my life. I experimented with many different mediums, and iron and metal became the focus of my art. I have a love of the outdoors so I began by recreating the things I saw in nature. I made a Columbine out of steel and I found a way to create metal pinecones. I gave them out as gifts, and as people saw my work, they would commission me to do a custom metalwork that incorporated those elements. As time went on, each new challenge presented an opportunity for me to learn and perfect the processes. With each commission, there was a new technique that had to be mastered, a different challenge to overcome, and a new tool that was needed to create the desired piece. As my skills evolved, so did my customer base. 

After about 3 years, all of my work came in through word of mouth or referrals. All my work was custom orders, and I worked very closely with the customer to take their vision, and create that vision using metal as the medium. This was a period of growth both in my abilities, tooling, and art, but also in my business. I purchased forging equipment, a fly press, and CNC cutting table. 

The next few years were spent creating everything from small metal ornaments to life-sized Aspen tree sculptures for a public arts exhibit. I also began to experiment with different textures, alcohol inks, and patinas so that my signs, murals, and other work would stand out from the typical metalwork that I had observed others doing. Simple metal cutouts became “art” panels that resembled paintings, with different accents and tones allowing me to bring greater depth and creativity into the process. 

The latest “phase” of my business has been collaborating with other established artists to incorporate the elements of steel and iron into their designs. This has been very rewarding, as working with other craftspeople and artisans has allowed me to learn. The collaboration allows other artists to bring the element of steel into their art where they need the strength while ensuring that the metal complements their work. 

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The road to get here has been fun and exciting. When you accept that each commission will be different and unique and that’s why you took on the job, the challenge is using your creativity and skill to overcome any obstacles to produce the desired result. If my friend Jeff from The Peak Antler Company comes to me and says he needs an elegant metal frame to create an antler Christmas tree, and he needs a frame that can tear down into 4 pieces for storage – we can overcome the challenges and obstacles to get that done. Then he also asks that the frame incorporates hand-forged branches finished in a copper tone that are a recessive attribute to the main elements. Furthermore, he needs it to be fabricated in a very specific way so that when antlers are attached, the attachment points aren’t seen. This requires collaboration in the creative process and being able to become a part of his project. That’s really fun and rewarding! 

The struggle has been to be able to deliver the product in a reasonable amount of time. Much of my work is non-standard and custom, so it does take some time to balance the artistic side with any structural or fabrication issues, so that I can be confident in the work and how it will be used and integrated. I’m fortunate that I am able to work with a great fabricator and fitter who helps to ensure this balance. I always say that Jim makes sure that the art “works” when finished and will fit in areas that need to be square, level, and plumb! As always, when you do not manufacture the same thing over and over, the cost goes up. Finding the proper customer base that recognizes and values artistic, handcrafted custom work took some time. Jeff Musgrave, from The Peak Antler Company, has been a friend, mentor, and also a customer. His energy and knowledge has pushed me to a new level of success. 

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
All of our work comes to us through referrals and word of mouth. Generally, someone has an idea, so they show you, their vision. Then the first question is, “can you do something like this?” “Like this” has resulted in everything from three life-sized Aspen trees in a public art exhibit to three-inch metal donkey cutouts with a specific patina. We don’t manufacture and we don’t mass produce. What we offer is experience in our metalsmithing trade, a craftsman’s attention to detail, and an artistic style that fits well with nature and rustic design. That allows us to confidently say “yes” while looking forward to a challenge that further hones our skills, and teaches us more about the art of creating. 

We also create signs for businesses. Many of those commissions require you to follow specific graphic design and branding elements. However, to add our creative touch, we suggest layering, 3-D artistic elements, and special patinas. On one occasion, a sign was gilded in 23K gold leaf because gold paint just did not represent the quality of the client’s services. The job also required a light-absorbing finish on the backing to allow the gold leaf to take front and center when displayed – it’s no longer a sign, it’s art! 

What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
Our shop is about 75 miles south of Denver, in the mountains near Divide. We frequent the National Western Stock Show, the various museums, and the aquarium. We also like to visit Denver for shopping, and some of our supplies come from the Denver area. We always have a fun time when visiting. Being from a more rural setting outside of the city, I’d say the traffic is something that can be challenging, especially when you are not used to it. 

Pricing:

• We offer pre-priced items through The Peak Antler Company from $32.00 to $7,000.00
• All custom work is via bid after consultation.

Contact Info:

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100029115412726

Image Credits
Cedar Mountain Metalcraft, LLC
The Peak Antler Company
Jeff Musgrave