Here is an exceptional insight into the unique ironwork created by today’s artist-blacksmiths. Over 250 color photographs display details of contemporary iron objects, including flowers, grape clusters, leaves, small and large animals that attest to the blacksmith’s role as a sculptor. There are amazing scrolls, folds, twists, textures, and weaves not normally associated with the hard material. With heat, hammer, talent, and muscle, the modern artist-blacksmith is forging exciting forms that permeate our surroundings. The casual viewer may often overlook details of small elements used to create a magnificent whole. Dona Z. Meilach shows how focusing on the iron details of flowers, leaves, and amazing critters makes ordinary fences, gates, and chandeliers extraordinary. Functional joints become beautiful elements for furniture, fireplace accessories, candlestick holders, and other iron items we use daily. Dona’s approach will open one’s eyes to “see” and respect this burgeoning art form. This stimulating book is a must for metalworkers, designers, artists, gallery owners, art lovers, and museum directors.

This important new book tackles the burgeoning revival of the blacksmith's art. Author Dona Meilach has brought together over 500 works by nearly 200 artist-craftsmen from sixteen countries to illustrate the unprecedented activity in modern ironwork that has led to its blossoming into a serious art form. You'll learn several techniques using hot and cold forming with the results clearly shown. You'll be able to recognize how a fence, railing, grille, table, chair, knife, and other items evolve, and better appreciate their design and workmanship. Each chapter provides background for the type of objects shown — architectural ironwork, sculpture, furniture, containers and vessels, lighting fixtures and candleholders, fireplace accessories, wind vanes, household and liturgical items, and the incredible knives made of Damascus steel. You'll find ample information for how and where to begin your own study in this extensive resource list of organizations, Internet sources, publications, museums, and educational opportunities. The Contemporary Blacksmith** undoubtedly should be found in the libraries of every metalworker, art educator, architect, interior designer, ironwares collector, and crafts person.