In his surreal metal work, South Carolina native Logan Woodle pays homage to the culture of the agrarian South.
The artist: Born in Conway, SC, Woodle grew up playing on his family’s farm. He is the sixth generation to be raised on this land, which has shaped much of his career and life.
Introduced to jewelry making in high school, Woodle went on to earn a BFA in jewelry and metalsmithing from Winthrop University (2009) and a MFA in jewelry and metalsmithing from Edinboro University of Pennsylvania. After graduating, Woodle returned to South Carolina.
In addition to his metal work, Woodle is an associate professor of art and sculpture at Coastal Carolina University in Conway.
The studio: Woodle’s home and studio are just outside of Conway, SC. The studio is a small metal building 10 steps out his back door.
It has enough insulation to dampen the noise of all his hammering, which is important because he starts working at 4:30 every morning.
The goods & materials: Currently making hollowware and small sculpture in precious and semiprecious metal, including brass, copper, pewter and sterling silver. Work is hand formed and hammered.
His playful pieces often feature farm structures and tools, but also farm animals (or parts of them), like the gravy boat shaped like a pig or the “The House Built on Chicken Legs.”
What’s popular: Electroformed brooches $300 to $500).
Inspirations: The culture of the Southern farm and:
- Visual artists: David Clarke, Stuart Cairns, Philip Simmons (US) and Jean-Baptiste-Siméon Chardin
- Musicians: Jason Isbell and Tyler Childers
Fun or special requests:
- Make custom copper sinks
- Create a seven-foot bronze “fighting chanticleer” for Coastal Carolina University.
“I worked with the university to not only sculpt/cast/fabricate the sculpture, but also to design and build the (on campus) foundry,” said Woodle.
Awards: Many, including:
- First place in 3D, SouthWorks National Juried Exhibition (2020), Oconee Cultural Arts Foundation,Watkinsville, GA
- First place in 3-D, 3 Square Art Gallery (2020), Fort Collins, CO
- Juror’s Merit, ArtFields (2016), Lake City, SC
Honors: Selection for:
- 40 Under 40: The Next Generation of American Metal Artists, 2019, The Metal Museum, Memphis
- Celebrating American Craft: Southern Style, 2018
- Sarratt Gallery, Vanderbilt University, Nashville
What’s next:
- Teaching a two-workshop this summer at the Pocosin Arts School of Fine Craft (NC). The workshop will cover raising and chasing pewter.
- An exhibit, “Food Justice: Growing a Healthy Community through Art,” this fall at the Contemporary Craft in Pittsburgh, PA, for the Food Justice project.Woodle will have several works from his “Low on the Hog” series in the exhibit.
Where to buy: loganwoodle.com
Get social at:
- Facebook: logan.woodle
- Instagram: loganwoodlemetalsmith
