ARTIST INFO

MIKE ROSSI
Philadephia, PA

IRON | Sculpture

Penland Affiliation | Penland Instructor 2010, 2013, 2014, 2023, Penland Winter Residency 2018, Iron Studio Assistant, 2002, 2007, 2009, Special Glass, Iron, and Wood Residency, Winter 2014

Artist Information | Studio artist; education: BFA Blacksmithing, Northern Michigan University,
MFA Metalsmithing, Cranbrook Academy of Art; teaching: Penland School of Craft, Haystack
Mountain School of Crafts, Ox-Bow School of Art and Artists’ Residency, Bryn Athyn
College, SUNY-Purchase; residencies: Haystack Open Studio Residency, Windgate
2016 Artist-in-Residency SUNY-Purchase, and 2017 San Diego State University; recent
exhibitions; Meta-Formation, Houston Center for Contemporary Craft (TX), 40 under 40: The
Next Generation of American Metal Artists, National Ornamental Metals Museum (TN)

Artist Bio | Mike Rossi is a blacksmith and metalworker based in Philadelphia, where he runs Rossi Metal Design, specializing in unique architectural works and sculpture. Born in Pontiac,
Michigan, Mike’s first introduction to metalwork was at age twelve, thanks to an incredible
public school art teacher and jeweler. That initial interest has continued to the present,
aided by a number of exceptional mentors and experiences. He has an extensive
personal library, two cats, and would like to get a dog soon.

Artist Statement | So much of what I do as a professional metalworker is about problem-solving efficiently and quickly, accurately working to budget and schedule. In contrast, the inflated pieces are unpredictable and exploratory. I’m fascinated by the rigid geometry
of the starting structure unfolding and expanding into unforeseen wrinkles and graceful,
soft surfaces, frozen in space after the material cools.