Technical Process of Forging Metal

In forging wrought iron metal, the artist must first saw the rods to the correct sizes. Most wrought iron initially comes as extremely long poles which are approximately ten feet tall. After preparing the metal to the accurate sizes, the metal must be inserted into the already lit and burning forge. The wrought iron must stay in the forge for several minutes until the metal is red hot. Once red hot, the metal can be carefully removed when the artist is properly wearing the correct protection (i.e. protective jacket, safety glasses, pants and heat resistant gloves). The wrought iron can be bent on the anvil but either monotonous hammering or bending on the slots available of the anvil. After the metal is formed in the desired shape, cool water must contact the metal until it has stopped steaming. Then the artist is capable of handling the now cooled metal while still wearing protective gloves.

Here are several images of my latest wrought iron creation. This piece will be covered in a stretchy mesh fabric, illuminated from within and suspended at eye level. This work in progress in far from completion, the end product will be a piece with derived inspiration from by Ernesto Neto, Lee Bontecou and the form of a jellyfish and chandelier.

Here are some rough in progress photographs to give you further understand of the design. Current size: 3 x 2 x 2 ft

Here is one final image to give you a visual of the size.