Penland Iron Summer 2010

Classes are open to serious students of all levels unless specified in course description; beginners welcome.

Paige Davis, Figure with Bowl,

forged and constructed steel,

28 in.

This workshop will focus on gathering information and expressing your ideas through metal. We will cover basic metalsmithing techniques including forging, fabrication, welding, and taking advantage of the great power equipment in the iron studio. Students will work through design challenges—form, line, and texture—to build their own pieces. Experimentation will be encouraged, as well as the inclusion of other materials. The class will include plenty of demonstrations, design discussions, and critiques. All levels. Code 01i

Studio artist working in hammered metal for almost 40 years; teaches workshops and exhibits nationally; representation: Blue Spiral I (NC); work in many private collections and in the Gallery of Art & Design at North Carolina State University.

John Rais, Tonare, forged and fabricated steel,

patina, paint, 25 x 26 x 18 in.

This class will explore strong, creative, and even poetic ways to join iron for the purpose of building objects of art. Students will learn basic forging techniques related to joinery and use them as a starting point toward more adventurous ideas. We will use bars, sheet, and any other type of metal we find useful or beautiful to achieve our goals. Projects will be rooted in applied design and sculpture. We will emphasize joining forms and having the most fun with hot steel. All levels. Code 02i

Studio artist; teaching: Peter’s Valley (NJ), University of the Arts (Philadelphia), State University of New York/Purchase; Kohler Arts/Industry Residency; solo shows: National Ornamental Metals Museum (Memphis), Massimo Bizzocchi (NYC).

Michael Bondi

We will develop contemporary design concepts in wrought metals. The class will emphasize the use of the power hammer and the combined use of metals such as steel, copper, bronze, and monel. We will also focus on the finishing and patina of these metals. Some experience in blacksmithing will be helpful but is not required; just bring an open mind. All levels. Code 03i

Studio artist making functional, architectural, and interior metalwork; demonstrator and lecturer at ABANA and National Ornamental conferences.

Jim Cooper, Delicate Beauty, scrap iron, copper,

vitreous enamels, stones, chemical and dye patinas,

gold leaf, concrete, 6 x 8 feet

In this class we will design and make weather-vanes—objects that tell you where the wind is coming from. As they must move in the wind, friction and balance are important to the function. Demonstrations and techniques will include creating hollow 3d shapes in copper, simple repoussé, toolmaking, adding color, applying vitreous enamels using indirect firing with a torch, stonesetting techniques to incorporate glass or stone, and mounting options. Bring an open mind, a light heart, and a willingness to work long hours. All levels. Code 04i

Studio artist; former artist in residence and conservator at the National Ornamental Metals Museum (Memphis); work in private and public collections.

Mike Rossi, The Marvelous,

Modular, Mobile Hot Dog Grill,

forged and formed steel, paint,

11 x 4 feet

This intensive workshop for beginners will start with fundamental forging exercises and then move quickly to designing and making useful objects for the home. We will cover hand forging, power hammer, iron finishing, production techniques, and anything else of interest. We will also discuss contemporary design and the history of ironwork and forging. Plan to work hard, have fun, and leave with new skills and objects. Beginning level. Code 05i

Studio artist; teaching: Ox-Bow (MI), Kalamazoo College (MI), Smartshop Metal Arts Collective (MI); exhibitions: National Ornamental Metals Museum (Memphis), Brookfield Craft Center (CT), Open End Gallery (Chicago); FERRO 2005 participant (Germany).

Marc Maiorana, Andiron, formed steel,

20 x 18 x 20 in.

Students in this class will learn the steel-shaping process of forging (heat and hammer). We will practice forging, bending, and joining techniques through brief exercises. We will also discuss finishes, material resources, and the tooling to make it all happen. Anticipate a physical session, a few clumsy moments, and leaving Penland with new skills applicable to various trades, sculpture, or one’s curiosity. All levels. Code 06i

Studio artist; teaching: Haystack (ME), Penland, Peter’s Valley (NJ); work published in four Schiffer books on contemporary metalwork and featured in Dwell, Gourmet, and New York Times publications; former Penland resident artist.

Erica Gordon, Web Ring and Web Wall,

repurposed steel, hand dyed leather,

2-1/2 in. diameter

We will use found steel in a process of reinvention through thoughtful design and clever engineering. We will use foraged and stock steel to forge small projects such as housewares, jewelry, or sculpture. Our goal will be to make sophisticated work that does not look recycled. Topics include hand forging, texturing, joining, TIG welding, and finishing. Experimentation will be encouraged, and the secrets of the scavenge smith will be revealed. Some forging experience recommended, but the class is open to all levels. Code 07i

Studio artist; exhibitions: International Contemporary Furniture Fair (NYC), CODE (Copenhagen), Philadelphia Museum Craft Show; work published in Ironwork Today by Dona Meilach; varsity letter in synchronized swimming.

Stephen Sidelinger, Cloths of Heaven, gouache

and mixed media on paper, 18 x18 in.

All crafts at some point are easier with an understanding of pattern structures and methods—being able to see and think in repeats. This class will provide hands-on methods for creating 15 kinds of patterns. We will start with basic patterns: from block, brick, diamond, and step to geometric structures and free-form repeats. Then we will draw from the past: primitive ornament, Egyptian, Greek, and Asian patterns, manuscript illumination, William Morris, and Art Deco. No previous knowledge of pattern design needed. All levels.
Code 05ta
Third-floor textiles studio.

Faculty at Ringling College of Art (FL); author of Visual Language: A Guide to Finding Personal Style, and A Color Manual. stephensidelinger.com The second-floor textiles studio will be used this session for an exploratory workshop for artists in any media, titled All About the Why.

Christina Shmigel, Bamboo Window, bamboo,

plastic string, the city of Shangai, 24 x 28 in.

This is a workshop for makers in any medium who want to deepen their understanding of the wellsprings of their work. Through a series of riddles and explorations, using images, 3D sketching, book- and model-making, and materials different from, but parallel to, our customary ones, we will investigate what makes our work uniquely ours. With play and curiosity, we will explore ways of opening up our future work. All levels. Code 05tb
Second-floor textiles studio.

Studio artist in sculptural installation; former professor of sculpture at Webster University (St. Louis); solo exhibitions: St. Louis Art Museum, Laumeier Sculpture Park (St. Louis), Duolun Museum of Art (Shanghai).