concept \ process \ material
Moving metal
I am fascinated by how metal moves. I shape steel by respecting its properties, accessing the support of the anvil and by focusing the force of my hammer blow. Blacksmithing has honed my eye to see where I need to hit, where I need to heat and how hard to hit in order for the metal to move where I want it to go. In that moment of focusing on my hammer control, keeping my body and the steel in the right position and using the right amount of force, everything else fades away. The only thing that matters is using the heat.
the artist
Sabrina Farrell is a sculptor and blacksmith in Santa Fe, New Mexico.
My art practice is my mirror
These actions: focusing my intention, tuning into the body, accessing support, creating the right conditions, using the heat, seeing what needs to move and learning from my mistakes are all skills that help me shape my life outside the metal shop.
