The Commission That Nearly Killed Me

SteelyJan - Tuesday, March 27, 2007 - 7:37pm

I finished this commission last winter. It was three stories of landings and a balcony. It was extremely complex. I sorely underpriced it, but I am proud of the results. I feel it's one of my best works. I found a local glass artist who slumped the double sided sunflowers. We are friends now forever. Let me know what you think of it. Janet

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What I like about your

webminster - Wednesday, March 28, 2007 - 12:10pm

What I like about your design Janet is that you did not follow the traditional repetitive design. Seems that each panel is unique and that makes it for an interesting design. I also like that you've incorporated glass into your railings.

I bet if you ever got involved with hot forging steel, you would open a creative side that will give you a lifetime of creative fun. There's another world out there when you start manipulating metal with heat.

Thank you for sharing your art!

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thank you for your response

SteelyJan - Wednesday, March 28, 2007 - 6:06pm

I haven't had the opportunity to do any blacksmithing. I
spent quite a few years moving my studio from Brooklyn and building my dream studio in Sullivan county, N.Y.
About the pattern it does repeat itself, but since I had to fit it into each space, the pattern changed. I guess if I could work a CAD program that would all be worked out for me. I simply sketch it into the existing space. The rounded turn arounds at each landing presented the biggest problem as they had to be welded and adjusted on site. EEk!!! Welding in a fancy home is quite nerve racking. But it can all be done. I've learned that throughout the years, any design can be made it's just a matter of problem solving.
(that's for all the new people, if you can design it , you can build it) JANET

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Great Work

don thibodeaux - Monday, June 11, 2007 - 10:52pm

Underpriced is such a BAD thing to say about your own work. However, with such awesome results, maybe the money becomes secondary on this job. Again, I've seen the wrong side of the "coin" to many times to count. But, with this piece, you should be proud and act like you received the right amount of money, even if it is only in your dreams. Go get them next time, because your skills will eventually open up the vault.

Don T.

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Thanks Don!

SteelyJan - Wednesday, June 13, 2007 - 7:18am

Thanks Don for your comment. You are right... Although I really did not make out to well with this job, it did provide the opportunity to build an incrediable piece.And I will absolutely believe I received the proper reward for building it. Actually it made me realise that I can't do this type of work for no pay and I really need to target a different client for my architectural pieces. I'd rather have this type of work in a public space. Hotel , restraurant etc. I'd like to thank all my friends here at ArtMetal and especially our Webminster for this wonderful
outlet to speak with like minded metal workers. Janet R.

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