The Ironwood Anvil
519-823-9734
info@ironwoodanvil.com
www.ironwoodanvil.com
•Artistic
•Functional
•Enduring
Fire, smoke, hot metal, sweat....This is the world that artist blacksmith Graeme Sheffield works in every day creating one of a kind pieces of ironwork.
Transport yourself back to an age when even the most utilitarian piece was made with an artistic flair and passion for the art of metal smithing. Each piece that Graeme works on is given the true attention that it deserves, so that it will last for generations to come.
With fire, hammer and spirit, artisan blacksmith Graeme Sheffield utilizes traditional and contemporary blacksmithing techniques to create forms and textures of lasting beauty.
Working from his private studio in Guelph, Ontario, Graeme hand forges original pieces out of steel, displaying the strength of the medium yet the delicacy of the hammer.
The lines, shapes and textures of the natural world around him are quite often the inspiration for Graeme's work as he manipulates the hot steel between hammer and anvil
Experience
Graeme's history of working with metal has evolved over the years, and his continued exploration of the art of blacksmithing continues to reveal nuances of the world of metalworking. Graeme draws on over 20 years of metalworking experience for each project, and enjoys every part of the process; From the design and layout, to the forging and finishing, each step is important to the successful completion of each project. As in the days of old, each project is treated with equal enthusiam and energy.
Focus
Graeme is dedicated to building relationships with his clientele in order to provide personalized service that can offer customized solutions in a friendly professional manner.
Vision
The art of blacksmithing allows me to interpret the lines, forms and textures I see around me in this world, and express myself and my observations through the use of some of the very core elements of the earth (iron, fire, water). Forging metal is not only a physical process of manipulating the medium to fill in a particular space, but also involves visualizing the empty spaces around the metal. Incorporating particular shapes and textures in a piece can produce very dramatic results in and around it.
Participating in, and constant exploration of, such an ancient craft as blacksmithing holds a great deal of mystique and adventure to me. Having the ability to create items using the same basic tools and techniques that have been used for centuries is a thrilling experience. When a piece of steel is heated to yellow-hot (around 2000 degrees F) it is then that the magic begins for me. It is then that I am able to shape, move and manipulate the steel into forms that bring it to life. It is truly a pleasure to take an otherwise cold, lifeless medium as steel and transform it into an object that allows people to appreciate its flexibility, strength and limitations at the same time.
Participation
Graeme is an active member of:
- Ontario Artist Blacksmith Association
- Guelph Arts Council
- Guelph Studio Tour Group
Graeme has also donated art pieces to the Guelph Aids Red Ribbon Gala, Guelph International Jazz Festival, Guelph Reads and other local charitable events
Awards:
2007 Guelph Arts Council Jane Graham Memorial Award
This Award offered him opportunities to pursue both his personal and professional development in the art of blacksmithing.
2007 Guelph-Wellington Business Enterprise Centre Business Star Awards
Finalist for Business Plan of the Year.
Publications
Graeme's work has been published in the following:
The Iron Trillium
Ironwork Today 2: Inside and Out
Our Homes magazine
Talent Next Door
Viewing Opportunities
Graeme's work can be viewed and purchased at the following locations:
- Barber Gallery, Guelph, Ontario
- Macdonald Stewart Art Gallery, Guelph, Ontario
- In A Heart Beat Gallery, Eden Mills, Ontario
Check the events, news and media listings for upcoming art shows or join Graeme's mailing list to be kept up to date on upcoming shows and events
- GARDEN & FIREPLACE
- GATES
- FURNITURE
- WALL HANGINGS
- SCULPTURES
- HARDWARE
- HISTORICAL REPRODUCTIONS
COMMISSIONED PIECES WELCOME