Wild Sheep Show

Jen Loree

Metal Monkey Design Co.


I grew up in Rich Valley, Alberta—a tiny town of 32 people—spending most of my time outdoors, doing chores on our acreage and visiting my grandparents’ cabin nearby. I was a hands-on kid, so in high school I gravitated to the trades and started welding at 15, first as a labourer and then as a first-year apprentice at a local pipe fabrication shop. I knew early on welding would be my career. After graduating in 2013, I went straight to trade school, earned my journeyman ticket at 21, and spent the next several years working across Alberta and Saskatchewan, mostly on pipeline stations. In 2021, my daughter Ellie was born and changed my life—she also led me to my true passion: creating art. With a new baby, I couldn’t keep working on the road and struggled to find welding work that fit new-mom life. When Ellie was three months old, I earned my B-pressure ticket and Red Seal certification, thinking it would open more doors, and I even considered moving into welding inspection. But I missed being hands-on, so I set up a small workspace in our one-car garage and started building whatever people would buy—table bases, benches, and more. Then I saw a welded bird sculpture made from utensils online and realized someone was making a living doing it. I went to a thrift shop, bought a box of cutlery, and made my own version. The first one was goofy, but my grandpa loved it and refused to let me change it, even as my skills improved. That small project launched my art career. I kept experimenting, never asking “if,” just jumping in. The work grew bigger and better, I outgrew the garage, and eventually I achieved milestones I once thought impossible—creating pieces for Joe Rogan and Disney among them. I’ve learned the “moon” isn’t that far away when you’re passionate, work hard, and believe in your dream.

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