Even when the mountain snow blankets Evergreen, Colorado, you’ll find artist and blacksmith Josh Bales in his Dying Breeds studio, hard at work on his latest iron creation. This studio, steeped in tradition, is the very same fabrication shop his grandfather built in the 1980s—a testament to the family’s legacy of craftsmanship. Josh's process is as intricate as his creations.

Every sculpture begins with raw steel and evolves through countless hours of cutting, hammering, welding, grinding, smoothing, and finishing—often spanning weeks or even months. Years of honing his craft have equipped Josh with a mastery of tools and techniques. Each feature of a sculpture might require a unique, handmade blacksmithing tool or specialized welding method. By heating steel to an orange glow, Josh transforms the metal into a malleable, plastic-like material that can be twisted, hammered, or contorted into almost any form his imagination conjures.

Josh’s ambitious creations in 2024 include “The Belly of The Beast,” a striking winged dragon with a gaping, monstrous belly—a project that required 482 man-hours to complete. Other notable works include giant butterflies, bear heads, and a commissioned Redtail Hawk for the town of Greeley, Colorado. Each piece is a blend of artistic vision and meticulous craftsmanship, designed to captivate and endure.

Josh’s introduction to hot-dip galvanizing came while subcontracting for a light fixture company. He quickly recognized its unmatched ability to provide long-lasting, maintenance-free corrosion protection—a critical feature for sculptures exposed to the elements. From that moment, Josh committed to using hot-dip galvanizing to protect all his creations, ensuring they stand the test of time. “Some artists allow their exposed metal sculptures to weather and rust, but that’s just not my style,” Josh explains. Instead, hot-dip galvanizing ensures his sculptures maintain their integrity and beauty for decades, even in harsh outdoor environments.

For additional customization, Josh applies a secondary coating over the galvanized surface—known as a duplex system—offering virtually unlimited color options. For clients seeking darker or more rustic finishes, he uses environmentally friendly patina chemicals to enhance the galvanized coating. Hot-dip galvanizing plays an essential role in Josh’s work, merging functionality with artistry. It not only protects the steel from rust and corrosion but also allows Josh to push creative boundaries, knowing his sculptures will endure for generations.

Artistic talent runs deep in the Bales family. Josh’s six-year-old son, Zaven, is already following in his father’s footsteps, designing and welding his own imaginative creations. One of Zaven’s recent projects, a hand-crafted spider, even received the same hot-dip galvanizing treatment, ensuring it, too, will stand the test of time. For those seeking a one-of-a-kind iron sculpture, meticulously crafted with hidden welds and finished with durable galvanized protection, Dying Breeds delivers unparalleled artistry and longevity. Whether it's a mythical creature, a detailed wildlife sculpture, or a unique design, Josh Bales ensures each piece is as enduring as it is memorable.