Blacksmith Demo
with Stephen Thompson
Saturday 9 November 2024, 10am - 4pm
FREE
Venue: MAKE Southwest, Courtyard
Part of the Green Maker Initiative Event
Stephen is a maker based in Plymouth, Devon, studying Applied Arts at Arts University Plymouth primarily to expand his interest in the varying processes that metal can be worked.
Most of his work centres on working with metal, pre-made objects or stock material found whist working as a scrap metal collector. The results of which follow two lines of inquiry depending on what metal is found. Functional objects being the first. Lamps for example. None of which have been made, merely parts assembled, combining the old and the new to deviate from the object's original purpose. Secondly, sculptures, created using stock material. A liking for heavy bits of metal is harboured. The stock being worked hot on the forge. These works reflect on cause and effect.
Stephen works as a scrap metal collector. Some of his keepable finds are either, objects that deserve (in his opinion) another life, or scraps of stock material that he feels don’t really need to go through the recycling system.
During the GMI Event, Stephen will be demoing his forged metalwork on a mobile forge that will be housed in our outside courtyard. Most of this work is not recycled as Stephen doesn’t always find the right metal required for forging. However, he will have a number of his recycled products on display.
Pop by and watch Stephen at work and ask him questions about his practice!
Part of the Green Maker Initiative Season
Throughout November, December and January we’ll be celebrating our Green Maker Initiative (GMI) Season; hosting events, workshops and exhibitions themed around the natural world and championing sustainable craft.
Find out more HERE.