Metal Arts Studio Survives Tough Economic Climate with Award-Winning Work

March 15, 2010 - PRLog -- In a tough economic time, one fine metals studio continues to produce award-winning work. Fine Architectural Metalsmiths of downstate New York has just won two top gold awards for pieces entered into an international metals competition. The annual competition of ornamental metal artisans is judged by a jury of peers with over 800 national members. The peer-judged competition names the winners as the best of the best in the field.

In the category of exterior gates built this past year, Fine Architectural Metalsmiths won the top national honor for a double maple tree sculpture which functions as a wide walk gate. But the real story of this gate is below ground: The full gate plus side wings had to be removable to allow for occasional backhoe access. Below-ground stainless steel fittings were mounted on massive footings for quick removal, and the side panels also release quickly from the stationary fence line posts.

The “tree trunk” gate posts were forged and textured from plate on the power hammer, with internal armature supports, and precision-built in two halves, so that the tree trunk splits in two when the gate opens. Branches were forge-tapered, and the maple leaves were dimpled in the studio. A dragonfly latch was forged and set at an angle for maximum visibility. The layered patina finish creates tonal changes with the changing light.

In the sculpture category, Fine Architectural Metalsmiths won top prize for a full-scale woodcock in cast bronze. The bird was carved in wax and detailed for accuracy down to the feather types. Precision, high-quality mold-making material was used to preserve the fine details for the casting process, and the bird was cast in silicon bronze. Imperfections from the casting process were chased and polished out. The woodcock was patinated in true-color feather detail, using only the natural aged colorations that can be pulled from bronze. The cast bronze bird was mounted in a sculptural base of forged reeds.

Fine Architectural Metalsmiths is a custom metals studio in downstate New York. The studio has been a consistent award winner  in many categories of architectural and sculptural work, from the reproduction of the famed Dakota gate on 72nd St and Central Park West in NYC to commercial atrium work and private gates, lighting and sculpture. A gallery of Fine Architectural Metalsmiths’ work can be seen at http://www.iceforge.com, and the showroom in a century-old icehouse is open for visitors by appointment.

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Fine Architectural Metalsmiths is an award-winning metal arts studio, working in all aspects of fine metals design. The studio specializes in bringing new ideas to the design process, merging traditional technique with new motifs and technologies.