GRAYSON MALONE is a contemporary sculptor and 3-D mixed-media artist. A former general contractor and tradesperson, Grayson is known primarily for her innovative work with concrete and metal.

“Some of the pieces are cast from a mold or form, some are hand-formed and some are a combination of both. I will frequently carve the concrete after the piece has set,” said Grayson. “I use a very labor-intensive process of grinding and polishing which begins with a coarse abrasive and ends with a very fine grit polishing disc. If the piece is to be placed in an indoor location, I will wax and polish it with a high-grade beeswax polish which intensifies that silky, shiny feel and look.”

PROFESSIONAL ROOTS: Before focusing full-time on her art, Malone worked as a general contractor and tradesperson. This hands-on construction background strongly influences her mastery of industrial materials, particularly concrete.

TECHNIQUE: Working under her creative banner “Cowboy Zen,” Malone specializes in sculptural objects, vessels, and wall pieces. She utilizes a unique system of metal-infused concrete, incorporating elements like atomized bronze or copper into her mixtures.

PROCESS: Her pieces are often a hybrid of casting (using custom molds and forms) and hand-building. Once the material sets, she frequently carves, details, and adorns the concrete surfaces, sometimes integrating found objects, wire armatures, or metallic finishes. Malone uses pigments and metal powders to add color and metallic sheen to the finished pieces.