The Commission That Nearly Killed Me

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The Commission That Nearly Killed Me

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


webminster's picture

What I like about your

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!


SteelyJan's picture

thank you for your response

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


don thibodeaux's picture

Great Work

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.


SteelyJan's picture

Thanks Don!

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.