Russ’ artistic journey began in his small town, where he honed his welding skills over eight years. His blue-collar background and love for nature have shaped his artistic vision. Growing up in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, surrounded by the untamed landscape, Russ developed a deep appreciation for wildlife. Russ’s career milestones include the creation of metal wildlife sculptures commissioned and sold at The Wildlife Center, a non-profit organization dedicated to conservation through education. His art has supported their mission of inspiring a passion for conservation in children. Russ’s sculptures serve as a reminder of the remarkable creatures that inhabit our planet and the importance of preserving and protecting our natural world.

The process of creating these sculptures is a labor of love. It requires patience, skill, and an unwavering attention to detail. Meticulously bending and shaping thousands of 1/4″ round metal pieces to create life-sized, 1:1 representations of wildlife. Every bend, every cut, and every twist is a deliberate choice that contributes to the final composition. The result is a collection of unique and captivating pieces that celebrate the beauty of wildlife and invite viewers to connect with nature on a profound level.