Randolph W. Dunn / Metal Artist

 

Randolph graduated from Cedarville High School in Cedarville, Michigan in 1973. He became a state-certified combination welder through Northern Michigan University's Skill Center in 1977 and opened Dunn Hill Iron Works in 1992. He is a member of the Les Cheneaux Area Artisan Cooperative.

 

Randolph is a fourth generation Upper Peninsula craftsman. He depicts nature and wildlife through metal art and enjoys creating functional pieces such as hand railings, chandeliers, fireplace screens and coffee tables. He enjoys interacting with clients to translate their requests for custom pieces into functional works of art that please and inspire. His techniques range from blacksmithing to modern TIG welding to utilizing a plasma cutter. Each piece is handcrafted without computer-aided design.

 

Randolph installed his first commissioned public sculpture, the Tree of Life, in October 2008 at Greenhills School's Campbell Center for the Performing Arts in Ann Arbor, MI. The sculpture is a functional bicycle rack for up to 12 bicycles at the base 'roots'. Three trunks rise out of the root system, representing the Trinity. The canopy of branches and leaves depict abundant life. It is

14-feet tall and 12-feet in diameter. Assorted symbols cut out of the leaves represent passions in the young man's life in whose memory it was commissioned.

 

Several years ago, Randolph created a wrought iron monument for a family plot in a cemetery of a large cross with scrolls and flowers using 150-year-old wrought iron. It will never corrode. He used an ancient blacksmithing technique—hand forging—to create it. Besides metal art, Randolph's other creative passions include whittling and carving. His motto is found in Colossians 3:17.