Canaday Designs

Matt Canaday and I grew up together enduring the hot summers of Paso Robles. We passed the time by swimming in the neighbor's pool and playing music together in a couple of different bands. Matt has always been artistic and over the past lots of years has really directed his artistic capabilities into ironwork and design. Matt is practicing his experience and knowledge of blacksmithing to embrace his dream of making a living as a sculpture maker. He knows how to weld everything from railings to sconces to metal tables but his heart’s passion is creating these gi-normous statues that speak of eternity. This one in particular took him 700 hours!!!

This sculpture is a symbolic rendering of an angelic being, titled "Wisdom". It is a multi-metal masterpiece consisting of core ten steel, stainless steel, brass, bronze, and copper. Every piece is cut, formed, and fabricated by hand, all one of a kind. Wisdom stands 62" tall, 36" wide, and 24" deep. Her hand’s reach open to her audience, silently calling them. The idea for this sculpture was based out of the book of Proverbs in the Bible, where "Wisdom" is described as a female form. She stands humble yet with power as she invites onlookers to consider for themselves her message.

Matt’s business is called Canaday Designs. I’ve shot for his portfolio in the past. You can see my pictures on his website. Most recently a book has asked to feature some of his work in their yearly publication. I am just thrilled that Matt is living his dreams and using his gifts. Congratulations my friend!

Here is an excerpt from Proverbs 3:13-20.

“Happy is the person who finds wisdom and gains understanding. For the profit of wisdom is better than silver, and her wages are better than gold. Wisdom is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire can compare with her. She offers you life in her right hand, and riches and honor in her left. She will guide you down delightful paths; all her ways are satisfying. Wisdom is a tree of life to those who embrace her; happy are those who hold her tightly. By wisdom the Lord founded the earth; by understanding he established the heavens. By his knowledge the deep fountains of the earth burst forth, and the clouds poured down rain.”