Rick Waltonsmith — Metal Sculpture
Most of my sculpture is for outdoor display, although my smaller pieces are quite suitable for indoor art. The weather and garden vegetation are welcome influences upon the pieces. For contrasting colors and depth, I use stainless steel, bronze, and brass sheet metal with Corten steel bars or bronze bars.
My interests lie in non-representational, organic design. The moderately large scale and linear shapes allow the viewer to see my pieces at eye level, and then look through the art to see the background. My smaller indoor pieces promote the same see through qualities.
“Caruso’s Birthday Party” - 5'x8'x4'
Corten Steel; Brass; Bronze; Stainless Steel
In addition, I fabricate one of a kind furniture. Some examples are a painted steel bed with sculptural elements, hand–forged iron chairs, welded lamps, bird feeder brackets, plant holders, fence post crowns, and a steel sky light with stainless steel sculptural elements.
My Saratoga studio is a converted carriage house, where I use four different types of welding processes along with cold metal bending I also have a complete blacksmith’s shop for forging pieces. Most of my sculpture does not require cranes or other lifting equipment, and I have a flatbed truck for hauling sculpture.
Installing outdoor sculpture requires anchoring structures. I have built stone pedestals, concrete bases; and for temporary shows, used spikes driven into the ground. Some pieces may also be attached to walls, both indoors and out.
My outdoor pieces are well designed for garden and public use, and the materials I use require minimal maintenance. The Corten steel has an oxidized patina, which I coat with a brushed–on acrylic protectorate. The bronze and brass are coated with the acrylic and the stainless steel is impervious to the elements.
“Arbor Day” - 9'x3'x3'
Corten Steel; Brass; Bronze; Stainless Steel