Metalworking is as much of an art as anything ever attempted by Da Vinci or Michelangelo! In this article, we pay tribute to the fine art of metalworking and share some of the amazing metalworks that have inspired us to push the limits of what’s possible.
The Art of Metalworking
Other artists start with an empty canvas or blank sheet of paper. They use pens and brushes to bring their ideas to life. Slowly, little strokes and scribbles coalesce into shapes and figures.
We begin with raw metals extracted from the heart of the Earth. Our engineers use lasers and press brakes to apply searing heat and unimaginable pressure. Little by little, we reshape the elements to fit our own designs.
They add shadows and textures to create depth.
We use welding torches to combine several designs into a single masterpiece.
They create images that leap off the page.
We build structures that will wow visitors for millennia to come…
Let’s see Banksy try that!
Considerations of the Craft
Metalworking requires an eye for design and a flare for style, as well as a detailed understanding of physical engineering. And it’s certainly not for the faint of heart! The sophisticated (and potentially dangerous) tools we use to craft our designs command our full attention and respect.
At Latest Metalworks, we create jaw-dropping masterpieces that will last multiple lifetimes. Our designs are built to be safe and practical while completely blowing people’s minds. (Just check out ). Our creations involve extraordinary coordination among artisans, all working together to create art that transcends themselves and their individual specialties.
To honor the art of metalworking, we would like to share some inspirations from throughout the ages—from the far-off Bronze Age to the present day!
Metalworks from Across the Ages
The golden Mask of Agamemnon captures the face of an ancient king thought to have led the Achaeans in Homer’s legendary retelling of the Trojan War (which may or may not have actually happened). Its features bring us face-to-face with the stuff of legends.
Part of what makes this mask so impressive is that it was created using simple tools: heating a single gold sheet, hammering against a wooden face mold, and carving details later with a sharp tool. But this creation is not nearly as impressive as the death mask of another ancient king.
The Mask of Tutankhamun is the most celebrated piece of ancient art! Rediscovered in 1925, it’s fashioned from two layers of high-karat gold weighing more than 22 lbs and inlaid with a variety of precious gems, including lapis lazuli, quartz, obsidian, carnelian, amazonite, turquoise, and faience!
The craftsmanship and ingenuity that went into creating these two beautiful masks without any of the high-tech tools we use today inspire our team to greater levels of craftsmanship.
Regarding modern, large-scale metalworks, few pieces compare to The Chicago Picasso and Cloud Gate (a.k.a. “The Bean”) — both centrally located in downtown Chicago.
The Chicago Picasso — crafted by legendary artist Pablo Picasso — expanded the idea of public art as potentially more than just commemorative installations, such as statues and memorials. The Chicago Picasso represents art for art’s sake. Its mesmerizing metal curves and bizarre angles encourage the mind to explore our physical world’s strange and often overlooked intricacies.
Equally mind-blowing as anything attempted by Picasso is the Cloud Gate by British artist Anish Kapoor. Better known as the Chicago Bean, this vast installation stands over 33 feet high and 66 feet wide. The Bean is made up of 168 stainless steel plates precisely welded together and highly polished to hide any visible seams. The sculpture’s surface reflects the city’s skyline. Its reflective underbelly warps and multiplies visitors’ images as they snap endless selfies.
These two mesmerizing sculptures not only redefine what’s possible, but they also bring joy to everyone who lays eyes upon them. This has inspired us to test the boundaries of our imagination as we work long hours in sometimes uncomfortable conditions to craft art that will thrill spectators for years to come.
The Latest from Latest Metalworks
If you enjoyed seeing art that fuels our imagination, you’ll love seeing the pieces it’s inspired us to create!
Make sure to follow Latest Metalworks on Instagram to check out our latest and greatest creations.