Rising Stars: Meet Codie Aljets of Gunnison, CO

Today we’d like to introduce you to Codie Aljets.

Codie, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
In April of 2020 I was diagnosed with stage 4 Colorectal Cancer. Many things were uncertain during that time. After a nasty reaction from my chemo I wasn’t sure of my fate. This gave me a perspective that I still hold tight today. Tomorrow is not guaranteed! In Nov of 2021 I went full time as a metal artist. I started making smaller, more affordable items. These were mainly from reclaimed items and heirlooms; more of a working person’s artist. I quickly realized that I was more driven to create high end, challenging pieces. My first high detail piece was donated to a local cancer organization that had helped me during my treatments. It brought $12,000. It blew my mind and opened it at the same time! Adding emotion and stories to my art was a complete game changer. Now I wasn’t just sculpting a better life, I was helping others and connecting to them through my art! Since 2022, I’ve raised $88,000 for local cancer organizations with my donations, and will reach my $100,000 goal this year. This is nothing I would have expected to do with my work or from my personal account. It has been incredibly fulfilling and motivating. It has completely changed how I look at myself as an artist. Giving back has helped me catapult my level, and not just financially. My personal growth and the way I have been able to push my work is hard to explain. It’s been an amazing journey. I currently hunt high end commissions with deep personal meaning. These are primarily businesses or personal residences. Anniversaries, wedding gifts, life events, and charities are my favorite types of pieces. I love that I am getting to know my clients on a deep personal level. In the end my clients become friends. These are things that I would have never anticipated with my works. It all started with giving back!

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Being a full time artist is a complete rollercoaster! Mentally it can be a huge struggle. Being in my studio alone is much different than my previous life at the firehouse. You definitely have to create for yourself! If you are chasing money or social media presence, then I think you can easily loose your path. It can be part of the process but not the focus. Figuring out the purpose to create was a big part for me. Once I knew I was connecting with others it became much easier to put 100’s of hours in my work. Each hour the piece becomes more and more meaningful. Getting the commissions took some time though. I created works that were stepping stones. Trying new techniques and skills in each piece let me continue to expand my pallet. If I get bored it is my own fault. This is one of the only things I’ve ever done that I can create the path I want to follow. Stop worrying about other opinions! This was another revelation I had. Obviously, others need to like your art to buy it, but trying to create what I thought my audience wanted was another roadblock for me. Most of those pieces still sit in a gallery today. They weren’t authentic and I think the audience can feel that. I definitely do! Financially it’s definitely been a challenge. I instantly went full time. I would not recommend that route. I was able to sell some property to give myself a buffer. That being said, it added a lot of stress to be successful and sell. That’s not always the reality. Getting yourself out there is another full time job. I used local galleries, farmers markets, auctions, etc to start. As my confidence has grown I have entered competitions, calls for artists, etc. I highly suggest to start early. I have learned so much by going through the process. Don’t be afraid to ask for feedback. Most are more than willing to help you grow. Network with as many people that are already where you want to be. Don’t reinvent the wheel. I have sat at the dinner table with many artists that I perceive as successful. The cost of a meal is more than worth the value and connections you make. Don’t be afraid of getting “Nos.” Use them as motivation and learn how you could have approached the situation different. Ask why they said no and what it would take to get the “yes” next time. Focus on yourself and your art, the clients and money will come. You just have to find your audience! I am finally confident to introduce myself as an artist. Own it early. Don’t doubt your path. Art is everything you have experienced and it took all that to get to this point!

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I make super high detail, high meaning metal art. I primarily use Bronze, Copper, Stainless and Carbon steel. I hand shape my work with basic and traditional hand tools. Welding and heat methods are used to construct and make the pieces come to life. Most of my works revolve around western nature but not limited to it. I’m currently finishing a 5′ 6″ guitar that was commissioned. I strive to create works that I’m not quite sure how to achieve. This lets me grow and usually exceeds my clients desires. I am most proud of the works that I have been able to create for the local cancer organizations. I speak in front of 400-500 people to tell the story. I will reach $100k this year in funds raised with those pieces. Mind blowing for me! I think the thing that sets me apart is my passion to create and grow. When I sit with a client to talk about an idea we both walk away excited and with our minds racing. Being able to help someone that thinks they aren’t creative is amazing. Seeing them light up and be part of the process is like nothing else. They are now a part of the process and have a feeling that they have never had. Its truly magical. Clients that seek me know that I am going to push myself super far. They know that they will get something unique and will be like nothing they have never purchased. I am willling to put the time in to bring our vision to life.

How do you define success?
My success in the art world is when I finish a piece that I wasn’t sure how I was going to accomplish. When I portray the meaning that I wanted and others feel it too. When I see my piece connect with others emotionally! Art is putting myself out there like nothing else I’ve ever done. It has been one of the most healing and fulfilling journeys of my life. Selling is just a tool to keep the dream alive.

Pricing:

• Commissions are based on size, meaning, and materials. I start with a zoom call or in person and getting to know the clients before I commit to any projects.
• I am currently looking into 2026 for commissions.
• Public/large scale are my goals
• Commissions are $1,000 minimum

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.codiealjetsart.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sagecountrycustoms/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/codie.aljets
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/codie-aljets-4a589230a/
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@codiealjets?_t=ZP-8wXsVPu8jR0&_r=1

Image Credits
Dylan Walker