Using time-tested blacksmithing techniques and modern practices, Virginia-based metalsmith Marc Maiorana creates unique projects, such as ribbon-like steel benches, for clients across the country. Artist: Born in Greenfield, MA, Maiorana grew up in Montague, NJ, just down the road from the NY, NJ, PA Tri-state marker. Maiorana was introduced to metal working at a young age. His…
An eco-conscious artist, Atlanta-based sculptor Jonathan Imafidor uses scrap or found metal objects to build his large or larger-than-life animal and human works. Artist: Born in Nigeria, Imafidor grew up in a small rural community of Uneme Nekhua, exploring the wonders of his environment and creating art using natural materials. Imafidor received a BA in…
Jaydan Moore believes the past can still live within a new object. That is why the Virginia metalsmith turns secondhand silver trays and platters into modern sculptures. Artist: The California native grew up in Antioch, where Moore was influenced, in part, by his family’s decades-old business as tombstone makers. Though objects, the tombstones, served as memories…
A self-described landscape sculptor, Kentucky’s James Wade is inspired by a sense of place. Company/studio: Hammermark Studio, which started in 2002, is located near Lexington on the artist’s family farm. Artist: Born in Columbus, IN, Wade moved as a teenager to Lexington, KY. He studied art at the University of Kentucky, where he earned a…
Memories, fleeting and fragmented, play a key role in the abstract sculptural works of Georgia metal artist Morgan Lugo. Artist: Born in Marietta, GA, Lugo earned a BFA with a concentration in sculpture from Georgia State University (GSU). It was at GSU, where she was introduced to metal casting and mold making. She also learned…
North Carolina sculptor Aaron Alderman uses a technique he developed of drawing in space with round-stock steel. Artist: Alderman grew up in Brevard, NC, and still calls it home. After graduating from Brevard College, he went to work with his college sculpture professor, Tim Murray, as a teaching assistant. He also helped Murray produce a monumental…
In her abstract ceramic, metal and plaster sculptures, Birmingham-based artist Emily Meisler is inspired by natural elements. The artist: Meisler grew up in Birmingham, and graduated from the College of Charleston in 2015 with degrees in psychology and studio art with a concentration in sculpture. After graduation, she took a year off before grad school and…
Whether it is glass, bronze or printmaking, materials matter to interdisciplinary artist Amber Lelli of Nashville. The studio: Amber Lelli Art is based in Nashville. The artist has studio space in the basement of LeQuire Studio and Gallery, surrounded by remnants of many famous sculptures. The artist: Born in Queens, New York, Lelli spent her early years…
For North Carolina’s Rachel David, the very physical and technically demanding process of forging and forming shapes in glowing steel is her passion. The artist: Born in New Jersey, David grew up in Maryland and graduated from Evergreen State College (WA). In 2005, she moved to New Orleans to build glass-blowing equipment. She lived and…
Kaminer Haislip wasn’t born with a silver spoon in her mouth. But she creates stunning silver spoons and more in her South Carolina studio. The artist: Haislip grew up in Aiken, SC, and worked in high school at her family’s True Value hardware and appliance store, cutting keys and working around lots of tools and…