Maria Cristalli
mariacristalli.com
@maria.cristalli.blacksmith
I physically and mentally explore material and forging techniques to sculpt metal into either a desired form, or an expression of the hot steels own movement. Steel is thought of as a hard flat surface. I bring steel to life with textures and forms. I aim to guide the metals transformation through power and heat, or sometimes a delicate touch, while leaving a mark of the tools and hammers, stopping in time the energy and motion as the steel cools. The final piece is a combination of skills in learning an ancient craft, my artistic vision, and the inherent structure of the steel itself. My work is modern and bold, but also very tactile and graceful. Since it is steel, it is a wonderful medium for the public sphere.
