LauraArmstrong.studio
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TECHNIQUES

I use various techniques to shape steel and glass: 

Blacksmithing

Steel is heated in a forge, then shaped into the desired form over using an anvil, hammer blow by hammer blow.      

To work larger metal stock, I use my mechanical 25-lb. Little Giant power hammer.  Power hammers are mechanical or air-driven machines with upper and lower dies serving as the hammer and anvil.  My power hammer is controlled with a foot pedal, leaving my hands free to work the metal stock.

I was introduced to blacksmithing by William Bastas, an instructor at Austin Community College.  

Picture
Garden gate with 'stylized pod' pickets

Tack-and-Bend

Tack-and-bend is a process of adding layers.  The oxy-acetylene torch is used to spot-heat the metal and bend it into the desired shape. 

A single piece of metal is built upon by adding additional metal to create the desired form/shape.  A weld pool 'seam' forms where pieces of steel are joined together.  

Tom Gingras, an Art Metals instructor at Austin Community College, introduced me to this technique.  
Picture
'Flamedrop' sculpture

Hammered Sheet

I use 16-gauge sheets of steel for this technique.  16-gauge looks and feels substantial yet can still be hammered 'cold' and by hand.

I cut the sheet into the roughly desired shape using a shear.  Texture, depth, and final form are achieved by working the metal over a swage block and anvil with hand hammers.
 
Metal punches are used in combination with the oxy-fuel torch for spot-heating the metal when deep furrows or details are desired.  

The hammered sheet pieces can then be assembled and welded together for the final assembly, such as with an oxy-fuel torch. 

​Barry George introduced me to this technique.     
Picture
'Don Carlos' the string dispenser

Stained glass:  Flat, fused, slumped, blown

I use stained glass as diffusers in my sculptural lighting.  Stained glass comes in an endless variety of colors and patterns. 

Stained glass can be cut to size for a piece.  It can also be fused or slumped in a kiln. 

Fusing involves melting glass together.  Slumping involves draping glass over or into a mold.  Metal or clay forms are used to make custom-shaped diffusers.

I contract with local glass blowers when necessary.  
Picture
'Boudoir' table lamp with fused glass panels

LAURAARMSTRONG.STUDIO
Copyright 2023 Laura Armstrong. All rights reserved.
  • Home
  • Featured Work
  • About
    • Artist Statement
    • Techniques
    • About Laura
    • Press
  • Repertoire
    • Sculpture
    • Lighting
    • Architectural Elements
    • Objets d'Art
    • Commissions
  • Musings...A Blog
  • Past Newsletters
  • Contact