Hand Forged Steel Kimono 1
Hand Forged Steel Kimono 2
Hand Forged Steel Kimono 3

Hand Forged Steel Kimono

$2,500

This sculpture is Titled "Ceremonial Growth" It was created from hand forged steel, H5.5'xW4'xD2' How the idea evolved: This is a self portrait of sorts. Probably the most dominate emotion I have as an artist is my desire to grow personally in my craft. I visualized a figure my height with vines internally growing out and up. the base of the figure mimics the art nouveau style.The vines curl and climb to become the kimono celebrating the skills of my craft that I have obtained. This piece is designed for indoors but if placed outdoors under a covered area would weather to a rust patina.

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Laura Parker

Laura Parker

River Forge Gallery

Sacramento, CA
Member since: 2014
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I am passionate about the creative potential of metal. What attracts me to the working of steel is the exploration of its plastic qualities through direct process; bending, twisting, riveting, joining, etc. There is something sustaining and true about shaping hot metal in much the same way as it was done centuries ago. My work is an exploration of movement or motion. The immediacy and directness of the process encourage spontaneity in my idea development. The forge fire is my “inner center”.
As with most artists I obsess about my work. This "obsession" leads me down many paths, each with a similar purpose: to bend, grind, cut, pour, or otherwise manipulate metal to submit to my creative will. I enjoy adding wood as a compliment to the metal. If I am lucky at the end of the day I have defied gravity and conveyed my message. There are easier materials to work in but there are none that touch the soul as deeply.

I am a tenured professor in the Art Department at American River College. I find that teaching helps keep my ideas fresh because I try to keep my students educated on the "process" of making. I am continuously sharing what I am creating in my studio.

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