This forging project involved learning blacksmithing over the course of a week through the creation of a hanging figure.
The shape draws inspiration from the human body as well as the works of notable blacksmiths such as Johannes Nielsen. The aim was to develop a unique form while exploring the fundamentals of the craft.
The figure is designed to hang from the wooden beams of a loft-style apartment, adding an artistic element to the space beneath the roof.
The figure is composed of a front and a back side, creating a hollow sculpture. The head is a separate element, also built with a front and back, allowing for a more defined and dimensional shape. Using stainless steel plate, the individual parts — head, torso, and legs — were forged separately and later assembled into a complete form.
To shape the figure, the stainless steel was heated in the forge to temperatures between 950°C and 1250°C. At this heat, the metal becomes malleable, allowing it to be hammered and formed by hand into the desired shapes.
After shaping, the steel was allowed to cool gradually, which hardened the material and fixed the form. This process also gave the surface a natural black patina, adding depth and character to the piece.