Artist: rachel david

Craft Medium:  Metal Artist's Statement: I am a blacksmith and an artist. My work combines ancient tools and techniques with contemporary ideas, functions and aesthetics. In my functional work there is no question but that form follows function: the piece needs to work, and to work well. However, in my sculptural work, I try to stretch the boundaries of the metal, working against gravity to convey the emotion and message of the piece. For both my functional and sculptural work these principles are joined with my inspiration from natural forms, my fascination with preindustrial technologies, and my concern for our contemporary social and political environment. I make objects that cannot be held together with hot glue or computer programming, and my skills are not taught in many art schools. I appreciate technological developments, but the “de-skilling of art” is too prevalent in the contemporary art world The hard-earned skills and problem solving involved in my work create an intimate blend of technique and message in each piece. Historically, blacksmiths were essential to communities, making and fixing tools and utensils. As a contemporary artist-blacksmith, I strive to fulfill the less mundane, but essential need for objects of beauty. I practice environmental sustainability and low impact craftsmanship, using recycled materials as much as possible and designing my tooling based on what is available locally. My work reflects some basic dichotomies of our lives. While creating pieces I am constantly aware of how I want society to develop into the future and how I can use this ancient material and art to convey that message. .