Blade making

Forging classes

Completed table

Forging a table leg

Table

Classes have started with a bang.

Mission statement

In 1983 I received a Bachelor of Science in Art Education from the University of Wisconsin-Stout. In 1987 I received a masters in Fine Arts in sculpture from the University of Arizona.

I have been blacksmithing professionally for the past 25 years. Drawn to the placid nature of hot metal, forging has become my passion. Having worked primarily on commissioned pieces, I miss the rewards of teaching. Being in the visual arts, it is my intention to share my knowledge with others.

“Strike while the iron is hot.” When metal is heated to approximately 2000 degrees it becomes almost claylike. After some basic techniques have been learned, the students imagination is the only limitation. The student will be encouraged to design a piece suitable to their individual style and skill level. At the same time, the instructor will continue to push the envelope as to possibilities and potential outcome of the work.

Class Outline

Hello fellow artists and or patrons of the Iron.
I'm going to start classes again, however, they will be semi-private.
I will be teaching only one or two people at a time.
This is for several reasons:
-maximize the experience i.e. one on one
-work on more complex designs
-achieve greatness in a shorter amount of time
-work on larger pieces
-use larger equipment  i.e. power hammer, press, etc.
-no waiting for any part of project

So, if you would like some private instruction, this is what I'm good at teaching:
-basic blacksmithing techniques
-three dimensional design
-beginining sculpture
-basic welding
-furniture design
-beginning drawing
-landscape drawing

Instruction cost:
50.00 per hr. one person/private lesson
75.00 per hr. two people
Cash, Check, Major Credit Cards accepted

100.00 non-refundable deposit required to secure time and dates.
It will be applied to the first two hours of instruction.
  
Class will include basic start up materials.
Overall material cost will be determined by what is to be made, drawn or built.

Safety attire required for shop:
Cotton long sleve shirt
leather shoes or boots
safety glasses
gloves for welding

Day Of The Dead

Dia de Los Muertos. 18 inch hanging studies inspired by those who've gone before us. Hot cut and plasma cut all forged steel.

Detail of "Man With Hat".

"Man With Hat", 18" tall, rust finish.

Moon Flowers

Detail of a 24 foot wide x 4 foot high public art piece. Based on the Datura Inoxia flower which blooms at night. Forty four LED lights illuminate the Moon Flowers for evening viewing. Materials include forged mild steel and stainless steel flowers.
This is one of five sculptures in a series installed at Oro Valley Marker Place, Tucson Az.
Designed by Carol Clements, executed by Diablo Forge in 2009.

Desert Motif Gate with Detail

These are agave plants at the bottom of the gate. The gate has a copper highlight finish.


Full view of gate. The dimensions are approx 46 inches wide X 60 inches high.

Welcome to the Diablo Forge Blog

This is my most recent commission from a client who wanted a truly original mailbox. I think the theme is apparent. Notice the flag is the gun's site, which is movable to signal if there is outgoing mail. The box is in the shape of a cartridge and he base is that of a clip.