Classic Elements of Architectural Ironwork
with
Dereck Glaser
Class runs: November 16-19
Tuition: $600
Material fee: $75
Skill level: Seasoned beginner and up, proficiency of the basics required, forge welding helpful, all hand forging
Heat Source: All Coal Forges
Heralding back to the dawn of time, man has utilized unique natural forms as the base line of ornamentation. One of these; the Scroll form has been integrated deeply into our DNA. It occurs repetitively in nature, so often that the ancient mathematicians developed formulas around its shape and design. To us it’s as familiar a shape as a stop sign. Whether it’s been carved into wood, cast from iron, injected in plastic, repousse’ into sheet, carved into stone or forged from steel, its everywhere we see the design of most any object.
This workshop will highlight this shape and dwell on it prominence in our society. Various scroll end shapes will be covered, scroll designs in flat and square will be addressed as well as looking at some of the more relevant tricks and techniques, tools and fixture forms that can create more consistency and productivity for big jobs. As a more advanced exercise, the design and development of a traditionally forge-welded branching scroll will be covered and allow students a more complex approach to the design and assembly of scrollwork.
Other than scrolls we will have a glimpse at other elements such as Water Leaves, simple Acanthus leaves and Ball style ornaments. Demonstration, lecture and slide presentations will also allow us time to develop a deeper appreciation for this fantastic shape.
Dereck Glaser started blacksmithing at the age of fifteen. Primarily self-taught for many years through college, where he earned a Bachelor’s of Science in Industrial Art Education. Dereck’s journeymen-ship led him through various architectural blacksmith shops between Ohio and New Jersey as manager or head smith. He has demonstrated at several regional events and taught classes at other craft schools. Now the Director of the New England School of Metalwork in Auburn Maine, Dereck has realigned his direction to do everything possible to promote the education of artistic and historic metalwork. He also continues to run his own studio, DG Forge, executing custom architectural metalwork and sculpture.