Bronze sculptor Don Begg at Studio West's workshop in Cochrane, Alta., on Nov. 22, 2024. Next to him is a clay version of a sculpture he carved of a Regina Rifles soldier to commemorate the 80th anniversary of D-Day. The original bronze sculpture is on display in France. (Carolina Avendano/The Epoch Times)

Alberta Artist Transforms Prairie Experiences into Beautiful Bronze Sculptures

November 24, 2024 TruthUSA

COCHRANE, Alberta—For more than 50 years, Don Begg has transformed molten bronze into remarkably lifelike sculptures depicting everything from historical figures to everyday life on the prairies.

He and his wife, Shirley, who is also an expert in the craft, have a passion for Canada’s western heritage in particular.

Their combined work includes 160 pieces, all crafted at their foundry, Studio West, in Cochrane, Alta., northwest of Calgary, and exhibited across North and South America, Europe, and Australia.

Their goal is to make each piece as unique and interesting as they can, says Begg, given how long the sculptures last.

“If you’re going to make something in bronze, it’s going to last 1,000 years, and not many people get to make something that will last 1,000 years. So you always do your very best.”

Bronze sculpture depicting two children reading at Studio West Bronze Foundry & Art Gallery in Cochrane, Alta. (Carolina Avendano/The Epoch Times) — Bronze sculpture depicting two children reading at Studio West Bronze Foundry & Art Gallery in Cochrane, Alta. Carolina Avendano/The Epoch Times

This year, Begg, 79, was one of eight recipients of the Alberta Order of Excellence, the highest honour the province can bestow on a citizen for their contributions to society, culture, and history.

But the news caught the Beggs off guard—they were on a bus in France, on a trip to unveil one of their latest works this summer, when people began to congratulate them.

“I didn’t know what they were talking about,” Begg quipped, adding that the couple had been nominated by some of their clients. “We must be doing something right.”