Tony Dow

Tony Dow grew up in a home where creativity surrounded and inspired him. His father was a designer and contractor who built homes for many people in the film industry. From 1957 to 1963, during his teenage years, Tony played “Wally” in the iconic television series, “Leave It To Beaver.” “The show is emblematic of a time that has passed, or, perhaps, never really existed, but continues to be hoped for and aspired to”. In addition to acting on television and theater, Tony began directing and closed out the last 20 years of his entertainment career directing and producing.

Tony has been an actor, director, writer, visual effects designer, producer, homebuilder, woodworker, painter and sculptor. A long-time goal was always to return to sculpting. In the early 2000’s he committed full time to his passion. His first work was created from burl wood found in the hills around his home. A friend and mentor, internationally recognized sculptor David Huenergardt, encouraged Tony to produce some of the pieces in bronze.

Always inventing, he has continued to develop his “Artifact” and “Cityscape” series using similar techniques as well as working on a number of wall assemblages.

Tony’s talent in the area of modern sculpture was confirmed when one of his bronze sculptures, “Unarmed Warrior” was chosen for exhibition at the Salon 2008 de la National des Beaux Arts at the Louvre in Paris.

Tony lived in an artistic community in the Santa Monica Mountains with his wife, Lauren, a talented artist in her own right.

“One has to wonder what goes through the mind of an artist as his creation comes from perception. Does it start with a concept, a thought, or a belief? Maybe that is all absent. What about a clear mind and an uninhibited attitude? Whatever it is, it’s the artist’s right. Along the way there must be hiccups and roadblocks, for this is “Life”. The way the artist sees past all that, keeping the focus on the result, is what forms and strengthens an artist. Adapt and overcome! Starting with one of earth’s most primitive materials: roots. Finishing in a physical form of what are the artist’s ideals, imagination, and truth. To me, it is truly extraordinary.” – Christopher Dow (son)

“My goal from the time I was old enough to think about things was to live a creative life.”