Diablo Forge

Tack Racks

2011-07-24T12:54:00.000-07:00

Hooks for your cowboy hat, briddle, jacket...

House at the End of the Tracks....

2011-07-24T12:47:00.000-07:00

This is my latest piece. It is approximately 36"x28"x60"H.
Notice the couple in the "house at the end of the block."

That to make this.....

2011-04-04T19:11:00.000-07:00

Garden hose reel

2011-04-04T18:51:00.000-07:00

It's coming together

2011-01-09T09:27:00.000-08:00

Stay tuned for the finished piece ~ Ocotillo Mailbox

Ocotillo Mailbox

2011-01-09T08:42:00.000-08:00

the beginning stages of ocotillo mailbox

Classes have started!

2010-12-27T19:58:00.000-08:00

Call or e-mail to reserve your spot!
Tuesday and Thursday 9 a.m. - noon or 1 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Classes run 2 weeks.

Blade making

2010-12-19T18:10:00.000-08:00

Forging classes

2010-12-19T17:53:00.000-08:00

Completed table

2010-12-18T10:33:00.000-08:00

Forging a table leg

2010-12-18T10:08:00.000-08:00

Table

2010-12-18T08:58:00.000-08:00

Classes have started with a bang.

Classes starting this fall

2010-11-09T20:29:00.000-08:00

Call or e-mail to reserve your spot!
Tuesday and Thursday 9 a.m. - noon or 1 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Classes run 2 weeks.

Mission statement

2010-11-09T20:23:00.000-08:00

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

2010-11-09T20:20:00.000-08:00

All students must take the beginning class.
I. Learn shop protocol
II. Basic technique
III. Safety instruction

I. Hot objects on floor
Moving slowly and cautiously about the shop
Be aware of other at all times
Don’t quench tongs

II. Proper hammering position; feet, wrist, elbow
Beginning hammering techniques; Taper, scrolls, leaf, hook,
upsetting, splitting, incising, drifting

III. No open shoes (boots preferred or leather shoes)
Cotton or denim clothing only ( No acrylic or rayon)
Student must bring:
Safety glasses
Ear protection (earplugs preferred)
Leather Gloves

Class 1
Shop protocol
Safety instructions
Basic forging
Design 101 (Bring idea for class 2)

Class 2
Review basic forging
Begin piece work on personal project
Discuss types of finishes

Class 3
Continue piece work
Beginning welding
Beginning assembly

Class 4
Finish welding
Finish assembly
Apply finish

Projects that run overtime:
A) Leave for instructor to finish @ rate of 25.00 hour.
B) Take Intermediate class and finish project.
The A.D. Academy is not responsible for projects left after 6 weeks.

To secure an opening: ½ down at registration, balance due: 1st day of class.
All works will be photographed and posted on DF blog with name if permitted by student.
All students must sign a liability waiver.

Beginning Classes run 2 weeks, Tuesday and Thursdays 9am-noon or 1-4pm
Maximum class size is 4 students
Fee is 25.00 an hour or 300.00 for the 2 week session.

Classes do not include material costs.
DA Academy will provide nominal materials for teaching exercises.
Students will be responsible for cost of material for personal projects
Students will provide own safety equipment including leather gloves, eye protection, earplugs.

Day Of The Dead

2010-08-17T19:08:00.000-07:00

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

2010-08-14T22:13:00.000-07:00

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

2010-07-20T13:20:00.000-07:00

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

2010-07-20T11:50:00.000-07:00

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.