Metal Work
I do admire the work of a blacksmith, because who doesn’t love a bit of metal work.
It might well be the direct and up and close contact with the blasting furnace. As a potter I am always in awe of flames and heat!
It gives me great pleasure to combine different materials, specially metal in some of my work. Metal is a good support for heavy ceramics. It is sturdy and pretty much indestructible! These are just the right qualities you would want for outdoor wall-hanging pieces.
The question I get asked most is:
Do you make your metal hoops/rods yourself?
The answer is NO.
I would love to BUT I’d need a whole new workshop with furnace, space to store the materials and most of all far more time to make things…..
However I do know a very talented blacksmith, John King, aka John The Blacksmith. He makes all the metal supports according to my design. As well as that, he brings in his own ideas and improvements in design and functionality.
So, we have scrolls, wiggles and mousetail loops at the end of the metal hoops and rods. Also the hoops and rods can come in any length, size diameter. Therefore we can achieve very flexible designs. Another advantage: improvements can be implemented instantly and changes can be made on the metal work John has already made! There are no long drying periods, testing of glazes etc.
Regarding improvements: the second generation “Tidelines” have a “stopper” or PIN on the base of the rod to prevent the ceramic element from sliding onto the decorative metal piece at the base.
As well as the hoops and rods, John also makes bespoke hooks to mount the “Tidelines” to the wall. Just another benefit of knowing a talented blacksmith.
Just love a bit of metal…….
Rainbow lines are the latest addition to the collection. They are a fresh and vibrant addition to every outdoor space. Alternatively it can lighten up any indoor space.