While we often think of metalworking as something done to create accurate parts that work to solve a particular mechanical problem, sometimes the process can be used to make an item that is strictly decorative. For example, the machine by Wm. Dubin shown above is not a model of a real engine, but rather an art gallery exhibit. The artist used machining techniques and raw materials to capture the feeling and beauty of a complicated mechanical engine of a past age. Some jewelry also has a very "mechanical" feel to it and many of the processes are the same as those used in a machine shop.
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Craftsman (Click name to visit page on this craftsman) |
Typical Project (Click for larger image) |
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AbrashaUSA Precision jewelry—a marriage of the jeweler's art and the machinist's skill |
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Christopher BathgateUSA Artistic applications of precision machine tool technology |
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Wm. DubinUSA Mechanamorphic sculptures based on the forms, movements and patinas of vintage steam engines |
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John GarganoUSA An architect turned artists sculpts metal to high levels of precision |
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Mark HoThe Netherlands A human-like artform beautifully crafted from bronze and stainless steel |
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Szymon KlimekPoland An engineer mixes elements of metal, art and jewelry in his tiny brass miniatures |
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GarE MaxtonUSA Unusual metal puzzles that are both challenging and beautiful |
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We normally think of lathes, milling machines and other shop tools as being used to make the practical items that make up the mechanical devices of our everyday world. We rarely look at the items themselves and see the beauty and craftsmanship that went into them. A special breed of machinist has taken these shop tools and used them to produce items whose sole purpose is to please the eye and the senses. These items take advantage of the precision and power of machine tools and combine them with the artist's eye for beauty to make items that please us with their beauty. This area is not clearly defined, but we found some examples we hope you will enjoy.
If you have additional information on a project or builder shown on this site that your would like to contribute, please e-mail mecm@craftsmanshipmuseum.com. We also welcome new contributions. Please see our page at newsubmit.htm for a submission form and guidelines for submitting descriptive copy and photos for a new project.
This
section is sponsored by SHERLINE
PRODUCTS INC., Vista, CA,
manufacturers of
tabletop machine tools and accessories.
To learn how your company or organization can sponsor a section in the Craftsmanship Museum, please contact mecm@craftsmanshipmuseum.com.
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