“Move the material till it moves you”. Written on the hood of David Thompson’s coal fired forge, these words are behind the philosophy which drives his work. Thompson, a fifth generation Oregonian, is a metal sculptor who combines traditional forging with modern technology to work steel. “My understanding of malleable hot iron opens up unlimited possibilities for sculptural form. With heat, the metal becomes responsive with a spontaneous freedom.”

Thompson has been the owner operator of a design ironworks business in Eugene Oregon for over 30 years. When he started the business in 1970, his early work was cold formed and fabricated. “I was good at fabricating and making things fit but always felt limited by fabrication methods. In 1979, I became interested in the possibilities of working metal with the ancient process of hot forging. At that time, blacksmithing was practically a lost art. It was the metal’s ability to become plastic at high heat and be formed into any desirable shape that intrigued me.”

With an understanding of ancient blacksmithing techniques and the combination of modern metal technology, any form, texture or color is achievable. Thompson is internationally known for his work and design in forged and fabricated steel and has over 30 years of professional experience working with architects, designers, contractors and homeowners, designing and creating pieces that work within their space. “I don’t call myself a blacksmith, I use smithing as a tool, a means to the end. I am interested in using the best method to achieve the desired results, whether it be ancient or modern metalworking techniques.”

Besides architectural ornamentation in the form of gates, railings and staircases, he creates furniture, light fixtures, one of a kind fire tool sets and sculpture. He has completed numerous public art commissions. “I am honored to be regarded as a Master in all aspects of this medium, demonstrating new techniques of metalworking that I have developed, throughout the United States and Europe.”

Forging lends itself to organic form. “My inspiration comes from natural sources, the curve of a branch, the crest of a breaking wave or the texture of a leaf. Ultimately the line is everything, whether created by light reflecting across a curved surface, by the edge of a form or by the contrast of two connecting surfaces, it must generate a sense of excitement for the piece to work. I believe in bringing a sense of timelessness to my ironwork design that reflects a quiet strength so the work will always be lively and interesting.”

David Thompson • 4440 Theona Drive
Eugene, Oregon 97402 • (541) 688-2348
www.SculptorOfSteel.com