“I’m a musician, so I hung out with musicians and I had friends who were artists—painters, sculptors and photographers,” Neuwirth said. “They never knew anyone who knew how to weld. I would take them into the shop and show them how to weld...and [I] began to see the art of it. Opportunities started lining up to explore that with furniture and other things.”
The backstory
In 1992, Neuwirth started a business with a friend to make functional art. Although that business wasn’t successful, Neuwirth continued making iron-based art in the ensuing years, some of which was made in his garage in Keller. Through a connection made via a Southlake gallery, Neuwirth partnered with a client and started Iron Chinchilla in 2001.
Today, Neuwirth owns the business with his wife, Tina Neuwirth.
The inspiration
Neuwirth’s promise crosses and flags are his top-two selling items at Iron Chinchilla.
“The promise cross touches people,” Neuwirth said. “The inspiration for the artwork on that piece is John 3:16. It's the promise that God made to the world, he sent his son to save us—that touches people.”
The flag sculptures come in a variety of color schemes, including thin blue and red lines. Neuwirth also takes custom orders, such as incorporating company logos into the sculpture.
Sometimes, custom requests become an inventory piece.
“A childhood friend asked me to add a cardinal to a cross because his father-in-law just passed away and he was from St. Louis,” Neuwirth said. “So I made one, painted it red and put it online. I’ve sold probably 15,000 of them because people say when they see a cardinal, they think of their father or mother who has died.”
The framework
Neuwirth uses mostly mild steel, also known as low carbon steel, for his artwork. His production process includes bending the metal through arm strength and a bench vise, then welding and painting.
Approximately 80% of the art Neuwirth makes is sold wholesale to galleries, gift shops, hospitals and more. The remainder is sold from the in-house gallery.
The setup
Since opening in 2001, Iron Chinchilla has been located in Newton Business Park; Neuwirth has moved a few times within the center to accommodate his growing business.
Neuwirth said he starts his work day around 5:30 a.m. and spends about 90% of the time working in the shop.
“I've learned that the morning is the best [to work], especially in the summer,” Neuwirth said. “I get a nice cross breeze, so even when it's 105 outside, it's not any hotter in here.”
Quote of note
After decades in the industry, Neuwirth still enjoys having the power to wield his creativity.
“Being your own boss, it's a struggle, but it's been way more rewarding than anything else. I don't know what else I would do if I didn't have this,” Neuwirth said. “I love coming in, especially when I've got a new idea; that's the greatest thing ever.”
- 5601 Feed Mill Drive, Fort Worth
- www.ironchinchilla.com