Meet Malkohm Horn | Artist/Craftsman

We had the good fortune of connecting with Malkohm Horn and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Malkohm, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking.
Taking a risk means stepping outside your comfort zone. It requires a combination of preparation and trust in ones abilities. It’s important to know the difference between risk taking and reckless impulsivity. Taking a risk involves an assessment of risk, an understanding of what can be lost and what can be gained. When I started my metal design and fabrication business, it was a serious financial risk.
Taking risks is necessary for success despite the fact that taking risks often results in failure. Once we accept that failure is also essential to the process of success it becomes less frightening. In my art practice I am trying and failing, and starting over and failing again until I don’t.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
What sets me apart from others is my integration of diverse materials and my unique approach to the artistic process. While many artists may focus on a specific medium, I embrace the versatility of bronze, copper, steel, aluminum, glass, wood, and found objects- allowing me to create sculptures that are not only visually striking but also conceptually rich. My work reflects the open textual nature of abstract forms incorporating light, sound and kinetic mechanisms, inviting viewers to engage with art in dynamic and unexpected ways.

I am most proud of my ability to transform simple ideas into complex, thought-provoking works of art. Each sculpture is a journey that captures the intricacies of nature and my personal exploration within it. I am excited about the ongoing evolution of my work, where each piece represents a chapter in my artistic narrative, revealing new insights and connections.

My professional journey began with a solid foundation in the arts through my education at the California College of Arts and Crafts and the University of Arizona. The experiences and skills I gained there helped shape my artistic vision. However, the path to where I am today was not always easy. I faced challenges, including navigating the competitive art world and finding creative ways to earn a living, pay the bills, and raise my son. To support my artistic practice, I engage in architectural metalwork, blacksmithing, welding, fabrication, sculptural restoration, and even handyman work.

To overcome these challenges, I leaned into my passion and commitment to the creative process. I sought mentorship and collaborated with fellow artists, which provided valuable insights and support. I also embraced failure as a part of growth, using setbacks as opportunities to refine my techniques and concepts.. Along the way, I learned the importance of resilience, adaptability, and the value of community in the arts. Each experience—whether positive or negative—has contributed to my understanding of what it means to be an artist. I’ve learned to trust my instincts, honor my creative voice, and remain open to new ideas and directions.

I want the world to know that my art is a reflection of my journey and my relationship with the natural world. My sculptures are not just physical objects; they are manifestations of thought, emotion, and transformation. I hope to inspire others to see the beauty in complexity and to explore their own connections to the cycles of nature. My brand is about the interplay of creativity and process, inviting others to engage with art in a way that sparks curiosity and reflection. Ultimately, I aspire to create a dialogue that transcends the medium and resonates on a deeper level with those who encounter my work.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Day one- Hang in Denver
Morning: Grab breakfast at City O’ City
Afternoon: Explore the Denver Art Museum(this could take all day)
Evening: Dinner at Root Down.

Day two- Bike tour of Boulder
Morning: Start day with breakfast at The Buff or the Parkway Cafe.
Late Morning: Visit my favorite inmates at the Phoenix Asylum, an inspiring, and long standing artist collective full of talented artists. Then ride bikes to the Valmont bike park to ride some fun terrain.
Afternoon: Explore the Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art, more biking on the boulder creek trail, then stroll along the Pearl Street Mall.
Evening: Dinner at Sushi Zanmai . Wrap up night with a drink at Bitter Bar.

Day Three: Go for a hike
Morning: Head to Chautauqua, maybe hike the Gregory Canyon Loop, or the Royal Arch Trail.
Afternoon: Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy at the park.
Evening: Dinner at Avery Brewing Company. Great beer and yummy burgers.

Day four: Colorado Springs
Morning: Drive to Colorado Springs to see the Garden of the Gods, rock formations. Go for a hike on the Perkins Central Garden Trail.
Afternoon: Explore Manitou Springs. maybe take a scenic drive up Pikes Peak.
Evening: Dinner at The Broadmoor Hotel.

Day Five:
Morning: Breakfast at Lucile’s Creole Cafe . Head back to Denver.
Afternoon: Visit the RiNo Art District . Visit the Museum of contemporary art.
Evening: dinner at Linger

Day six: Hiking and Hot Springs
Morning: Drive to Mount Evans, hike the Summit Lake Trail.
Afternoon: Head to Idaho Springs to soak at the Indian Hot Springs.
Evening: Dinner and beers at Tommyknocker Brewery,

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I want to give a shout out to Jessica Adams and Jonathan Falk at Living Design Studios for all their support and love over the years. And to My dear friend/teacher/mentor Judith Orloff.

Website: https://www.malkohmhorn.com

Instagram: Malkohm Horn