"Metal Wall Sconce"

Robert L. Crecelius

"Robert Crecelius works in the solitude of his studio in the Ozark foothills, forging steel at temperatures ranging from 1500 to 2000 degrees Fahrenheit. He shapes pieces with hammer and anvil in the traditional manner, then wire brushes and treats them with a rust-resistant finish. Bronze accents are the result of a patina process done while the material is still hot."

As an artist I am interested in craftsmanship and how basic, traditional techniques relate to the overall form of a completed piece.

The large vessel pieces combine forged and fabricated work. First, Crecelius cuts, welds, grinds and sands the body of the vessel. Then he incorporates forged elements, creating an interesting contrast between contemporary and traditional techniques.

I employ no assistants, preferring to work alone in the solitude of my surroundings.