Forged Flowers

Several years ago I began a series of sculptures inspired by botanical forms. The Flower Form series was born and first premiered at the show Seeds, Steeds, and Beautiful Weeds at Ladew Gardens in Monkton, Maryland. The inspiration of this entire series has been the beautiful forms and textures that are sometimes only seen on a small scale. I love to bring some of these forms to life on a much larger and more permanent scale.

As spring breaks into form here at Principio Furnace, these ideas also begin to once break forth and come to life. I love to forge, (or hammer) metal, I love the process, the struggle of the material to resist the hammer and stay in its dormant form. As we wade through an ever changing world I just wanted to share a few photos of the most recent part of the flower form series, and also encourage you to stop and take a moment and enjoy the beautiful creation surrounding us.

Sometimes we need to look small in order to see the larger picture. But in the busyness of everyday life don’t forget to slow down, take a walk, and soak in life. Be present in the moment, and make the most of them. Sometimes making the most is shutting down and going slow.

Take care everyone, but know that the fire still burns bright here in the studio, and new textures and forms will continue to take shape.

Matthew Harris