As designer, artist, and craftsman, Joe's work has had a deep connection to both the physical manipulation of materials - within their properties and character, as well as to the process of concept in form, color, proportion, and joinery. It is the thoughtful and honest balance between these primary elements that he is intent on expressing in the work, regardless of scale.

Although he incorporate techniques, materials, and forms rooted in the past, he seeks to give each original design a timelessness that will outlive period or style and continue to contribute to the composition of the space that it inhabits. Combining design and craft, his studio produces work that is poetic and rational, industrial and organic, archaic and contemporary.

While a majority of Matt Burney’s work is engineering, fabricating, and installing metal public art pieces for other artists, his true passion lies in creative expression within the context of function--kinetic sculpture, sculptural seating, and interactive elements. He believes art is meant to be touched. He is drawn to forms that feature the compound curve, as it is one of the most beautiful and challenging shapes to produce in metal and adds a visual softness to a hard material - the horse as a sculptural form is a wonderland of compound curves which speak to the animal’s power, grace, and beauty. Joe’s aesthetic is a blend of recycled metal, traditional techniques, and modern details in natural finishes. He believes the use of recognizably recycled, durable materials in artwork provides us a glimpse into the past, while speaking to his hopes for the future, where objects will once again be built from durable, recyclable materials.

Matt and Joe have collaborated on architectural metalwork projects, Steampunk inspired interactive installation art, sculpture, and custom copper projects. They believe art that can be touched and fully experienced is essential to creating a feeling of quality and connection and it makes the art approachable for a wider audience. Horses are as interwoven with human history as artistic expression, some of the oldest art ever found depicts the horse. They specialize in raw finishes and patinas, which speak to sustainability, the passage of time, and color palettes that are reminiscent of the rich tones of horses’ coats. Incorporating recycled metal objects into their work connects the community’s past to the piece and the community’s past is connected to the horse.

The knight (unofficially the world’s largest chess knight) pays homage to some of humankind’s superpowers - the majesty of the horse, strategy, fire, iron, stone, bronze, and hydraulic power! This piece is for chess lovers, horse lovers, and lovers of the pinnacle of the metalcraft of the industrial era. And curved, riveted iron was born in America's shipyards.

The piece was designed by Joe Mross and Matt Burney and constructed in Matt’s workshop from 2022-2023 by Matt Burney, Todd Gardner, Joe Mross, and Barbara Counsil Burney. Joe handmade the molds for the portholes and they were cast by Reinmuth Foundry in Eugene, Oregon. One stone on the bench has an inlaid bronze placard with the artists’ names.

All sharp edges have been sanded or removed, interior is accessible by a hidden crawlspace, all metal and stone have sealers applied, which can be reapplied at any time.

Constructed of 3/16” and thicker steel plate A36 and higher strength pressure vessel components. The base is a 6” thick granite bench that can seat approximately 15 people.

The base dome has 5 custom cast bronze portholes with 1” Lexan lenses, giving views into the interior, which could be set-up to burn propane, project images/video, or include mirrors for viewing different installations or authentic construction details—use your imagination!

Height: 15 feet Diameter: 9 feet nose to mane: 11 feet

Weight: ~ 6 tons

No. of plates: +100

No. of rivets: ~ 2000

Thickest plate: ½”

Thinnest plate: 3/16”

Thickness of stone: 6”No. of stones: 20

No. portholes: 5

Hours to build: 1,600

Finish: Boiled linseed oil