I am beginning a new and what may become strong passion for an artistic form of metalworking sometimes referred to as “metalsmithing”. This is far from the machine shop form of metal work I normally do. I have long known artistic metalsmithing existed but denied myself any interest, as it was a fancy-smancy jeweler’s trade.
I have found out it is far more interesting and creative than boring holes in a block of aluminum. Well… that is actually creative in its own way.
I have just ordered two “bibles” that define just about every artistic metalworking process. Jewelry: Concepts And Technology by Oppi Untracht and Complete Metalsmith: Professional Edition by Tim McCreight.
What has drawn me out (pun intended) for a closer look is how the human interface with the creative process of artistic metalworking is physically performed.
My physical condition is at a point where I need a working environment that is more sit down at the desk in a comfortable chair, than standing for hours at a bench or machine tool. I still want to be tangibly creative so I don’t want the desk to only contain a computer screen and keyboard.
Since metalsmithing can be a form of Jewelry, a lot of the smaller hand work is performed while comfortably sitting at a jeweler style work bench surrounded by every kind of hand tool within a no stretch reach. Wow! It is just what I need to stay creative.
It doesn’t rule out doing any of the larger or more demanding machine work, but it certainly looks like a comfortable and sustainable way to put a full day in the shop. That’s what I am looking towards.
The art of metalsmithing is far more than building things from metal. It is a fully integrated understanding and application of the science of metallurgy with creative and artistic products produced by manipulation of the traits and properties of all the elements, compounds, alloys and even chemistry of metals. WOW, science class 104!
I think I’m going to love it.