Tuesday, December 15, 2009

Metal Fold Forming

In my work for the In the Stillness exhibition I created a number of bowls made from salvaged objects (fuel tanks, spray packs etc) and recycled metal (copper, brass, aluminium). With some of the bowls I used a punch method on some bowls and created some folds or pleats in the bowls to add interest. It was just one of those things I was experimenting with.


Imagine my surprise and delight when I discovered there was a whole movement out there taking this approach to the extreme. I bought a book called Foldforming by Charles Letwton-Brain; and this has opened up a whole new dimension for me. The book not only presents some great shots of what is possible but is also instructional in that it shows how and what things can be done.


This of course this meant I needed to track down a couple of websites to see what Lewton-Brain was doing; and if there are others out there building on his approach. I discovered Betty Helen Longhi who describes her work as fluid expressions in metal. If you want to be inspired check these sites out.

Of course I want to go and learn from them.

4 comments:

  1. Hi Barry, I can see a trip to the US coming up for you!

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  2. N Wouldn't it be great to have the resources to do just that; and of course need to see what is on offer. B

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  3. I love fold forming. I took a class with one of the other metalsmiths with work at the back of the book, Nick Barnes, and it has transformed the way I work metal. It's just such a fun technique. Good luck with your endeavors.

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  4. Wendy - Thanks. Your comment has enabled me to check out your site - love the work you are doing - and also follow up on how I might get into this form of metal working. It enables one to create some amazing shapes and textures. B

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Comments are welcomed - it is good to connect with fellow travellers.