Iron Horse

This iron horse frame once formed part of the railing on a farmhouse deck in rural Missouri. When the deck was torn down to make way for something new, the horse was destined for the landfill—but it felt like a shame to let it disappear after so many years of quiet presence.

Rusted and weathered from standing in the elements, I wanted this horse to feel both strong and delicate—a testament to the years it endured and an opportunity to give it new purpose as wall art.

After removing the old paint and rust, I carefully cut away the pieces that once attached it to the railing (and yes, I saved those too, just in case they find new life someday). I then refinished the frame in black, restoring its form while honoring its history.

The interior of the frame is filled with clear glass beads suspended in clear epoxy resin, allowing light to pass through and interact with the piece. The mane, hooves, nostrils, and eye are filled with crushed black stone and sealed in resin, adding contrast, depth, and texture. The result is a highly tactile work—one that invites closer inspection and changes subtly as light moves across it.

What was once a purely functional architectural detail is now something meant to be paused with, touched, and appreciated—a reminder that even overlooked or discarded objects can carry quiet strength and beauty when given the chance to be seen again.

This piece embodies the heart of Memento: honoring what has endured, reclaiming what was overlooked, and transforming the ordinary into something meaningful and lasting.