Historians generally agree that the horseshoe nail was first used around the fourth or fifth centuries B.C. They differ, however, as to it's place of origin, some giving credit to the Romans and others believing that it was the Mongols who first shod their war horses. It was immediately recognized as advanced technology that could give an army the advantage it may need on the battlefield.

For want of a nail the shoe was lost.
For want of a shoe the horse was lost.
For want of a horse the rider was lost.
For want of a rider the battle was lost.
For want of a battle the kingdom was lost.
And all for the want of a horseshoe nail.
Author: Unkown

The horseshoe nail. Never was there a more utilitarian item. For centuries hard working people have used this tiny piece of steel to make the world a little more comfortable place for their horse, and consequently, themselves. The horseshoe nail is still an integral part of western life. To me, it provides a solid link between the past and the present. I have chosen this timeless link as the media through which to connect the romance of the past with the reality of the present. In my work, you will find a true appreciation for my roots as well as for the comfort of modern life. with some wry humor thrown in the mix just for fun!

News - While I am still dedicated to creating new and interesting figurines using horsehoe nails as the primary medium, I am now channeling my artistic efforts toward a new and exciting goal. I encourage you to view the pieces on this website as not only individual works of art, but as accurate prototypes of life-size sculptures! Picture a fly fisherman on the bank of your pond, a cowboy resting on your jack-leg fence... a golfer just outside the door of your clubhouse or practice green, all retaining the historic connection of the horseshoe nail as their basis. The nail theme does carry through quite well at this larger scale. I was very pleased with the "feel" of my first life-sized scultpure, as was my client. Click here to see pictures of some these beautiful sculptures. Remember, any of the figurines you see on this site can be crafted into one of these memorable sculptures, or I can help you design a very unique sculpture of your own making!

Several of my pieces are on display in Big Sky, Montana at Huntley Lodge and Mountain Village by Summit Inn. I'll have a few more pieces on display by the golf course at Meadow Village in May. So if you're coming through the area, be sure to look for them... or stop by my workshop in Gallatin Gateway and I'll show you my latest project!

A little about myself: I am a fifth generation Montanan, whose family has a proud ranching and rodeo background. I am a fourth generation resident of my Gallatin Gateway home. The basics of life are very important to me. which could explain my fascination with something as simple as a nail. When I look at a horseshoe nail, I see so much more. I have sometimes been accused of being kind of warped. but that's okay.

If you come through Montana for some fishing, please stop by and see my gallery. I'm on the Gallatin River, between Bozeman and Big Sky. Who knows, I might even close up the shop and go fishing with you. After all, a man has to keep his priorities in order.

Little did I realize when I started peddling my whimsical works of art in 2000 at local galleries, that the demand for EJ's Western Artworks would spread nationally, even internationally, requiring an internet presence. Well, I did say I enjoy the comforts of modern life. So here's my attempt to integrate the old and the new; to marry the simple with the complex.You will notice that I have made some brief comments about most of the figurines. Almost everything you will see here is based on experience I have had. One of the few advantages of middle age is that one has a wealth of material from which to draw.

Please enjoy your journey through my world. I hope that you will find something here that you can relate to and that will refresh some of your memories as well. Check in often for new additions to the ever expanding offerings of my unique talents.