Follow Your Heart

“Follow your Heart” was the first life size commissioned piece I completed in my career. This sculpture is placed at Station 1 at Windsor Severance Fire Rescue in Windsor, Colorado.

This piece launched my career and proved to me that hard work and dedication do pay off.

 I was only 19 years old, going through fire academy, when I earned this commission. It took me a year to sculpt, after starting from scratch three times. I had such a high expectation of myself and my work, that I wouldn’t settle for anything less than perfect. That drive and work ethic still carries me through each piece, today.

This sculpture taught me so much about the industry, business, and myself. I started this not knowing how much to charge for a bronze sculpture, the time frame it took to complete a project of this magnitude, and all of the other fine details it requires to sculpt a custom piece for a client. I am so grateful for this opportunity because it showed me my fortitude, it challenged me and pushed me, and I realized that in this industry, there is no turning back.

This piece launched my career and helped me earn countless other commissions, including the memorial in Washing D.C. called “Ashes to Answers.” Looking back on the start of my career, I’m reminded that it only takes one person to believe in you. It only takes one person to give you a chance. And that person for me was Mike Davis, a former Fire Marshall for Windsor Severance Fire Rescue. Without his support and belief in me to sculpt “Follow your Heart,”  I wouldn’t be in the same position as I am today. And for that, I am forever thankful for the opportunity  I was able to follow my heart, as well.