ArtMetal

I was invited to go to a student exhibition last Friday for a workshop which our very own Kimberli Matin gave last semester via the Chatham County Community College continuing education courses. It was an inspiring event filled with enthusiastic metal artists. The class included students from 18 to 80 years of age. Everyone at this exhibition was bubbling with excitement over the artwork which they had produced of the seven week course.

Much of the credit for success of this course has to be given to Kimberli. She is beaming with creativity! Kimberli has a way of getting people to "think outside the box." Day long visits to the scrap yard, and seeing alternative forms with a little juxtaposition can turn old lawn mower blades into a beautiful unique rustic lamp.

My Favorite Piece

There were many pieces of metal art which were very interesting and unique, but the one piece that stood out for me was a sculptural wall hanging that was approximately two feet wide by three feet tall. This piece, which is shown below reminded me of an abstract torso. Maybe it's because of the recent activity here on ArtMetal by other members showing torsos. But for me, I see an ancient European body armor plating with rectangular holes sliced into the armor plating. The textures created by hammering, cutting and grinding away some of the rust on the flat metal sheet gives wonderful visual stimulation to the overall sculpture.

Student Created Wall Sculpture

Another really cool piece was this desk made from found scrap metal. I really like the textures created from the grinder.

Kimberli Matin standing beside some of the students artwork. The work shown here was created by an 18 year old!

Be sure to click on the smaller thumbnail pictures to see larger detail versions.

Kimberli has done a great job teaching people how to find their creativity and learning that welding IS fun! Kudos to you Kimberli!!!