About Wes

With a strong interest in art at an early age (and with inspiration from artists like Roger Dean and Syd Mead), Wes began illustration in school papers, an independent art publication “The Fish”, and through a graphic arts degree under the instruction of Ray Fredericks. Encouraged by his cousin’s wife, Julie, he applied and was accepted to the Chicago Art Institute. While that program was not pursued, he continued to design and draw.

Wes began metal fabrication in 2015. Interested in completing modifications to a jeep and looking for work that would allow him to remain at home to care for his terminal wife at that time, he returned to school to complete a welding program and incorporated Etter Metal Works, LLC. During this time, several sculptures were produced, including “The Four Insects of the Apocalypse” – the dragonfly, hornet, scarab, and scorpion (yes, a scorpion is not technically an insect). In addition to the sculptural work, mixed media models, 3-D printed work, and live edge tables (in partnership with Central Iowa Sawmill), round out his portfolio.