Forming Art!

City Hall Artspace Holidays Bazaar

noreply@blogger.com (Ralph parus) — Wed, 30 Nov 2016 04:42:00 +0000

https://www.facebook.com/events/240287226391552/

Get your holiday shopping deals at City Hall Artspace Lofts Holiday Bazaar every Saturday starting November 26, December 3, December 10, December 17, 2016 from 1pm - 7pm. Enjoy a special iron pour and mold workshop on December 17th with extended hours 1pm - 10pm by Carl Goines. Live music and dance entertainment is provided by Dj Kalette Shari, John Bennett, Jair Alexander, Tim Smith with contributions by Marlo Deshaun Broughton. Shop with thee Arts. Dearborn made in Michigan. #shoplocal.#holiday,#holidays,#art,#gifts,#handmade,#crafts,#christmas
13615 Michigab Ave, Dearborn,Michigan see facebook event above for directions.

noreply@blogger.com (Ralph parus) — Thu, 14 Apr 2016 23:19:00 +0000

RalphParus.com

noreply@blogger.com (Ralph parus) — Mon, 05 May 2014 01:25:00 +0000

Folded copper Necklace Pendant

noreply@blogger.com (Ralph parus) — Sat, 07 Dec 2013 05:13:00 +0000

Steel Tea Cup with Steel Tea Bag

noreply@blogger.com (Ralph parus) — Fri, 22 Mar 2013 04:03:00 +0000

The tea cup was formed using the Masonite die forming process
and was brazed together.

The copper saucer was formed using a hydraulic a press and a peice of hard wood.

The tea bag was made by folding and brazing steel.
The tea bag label is etched stainless steel.

Notes on the Hydraulic press and deep draw technique

noreply@blogger.com (Ralph parus) — Sun, 21 Oct 2012 01:25:00 +0000

Notes on the Hydraulic Press and Deep Draw Techniques:

Can Two halves make a whole?

noreply@blogger.com (Ralph parus) — Sat, 29 Sep 2012 23:56:00 +0000

Every time I put together the two halves of sheet metal that were formed from side number one and side number two of a Masonite die, I always relish the thought of cutting off the flange from the sheet metal completely. I usually leave a small flange on each piece. If they were cut off completely the difference could be seen if the edges didn’t meet up with each other.
I have been told that the space in between the inside edges of the two formed halves could be filled with half round wire and then the flange could be cut away. The piece cant be completely closed though.
I have also been told that the two halves can be tig welded together.
I think I came up with another idea. The other day I brazed two halves together that were formed from each side of a die.
They were brazed from the inside. I was able to do that because each half was half of a circle and there was an opening that allowed me to do so.
I filled the gap in between the edges of the two halves, with brazing rod. While I was brazing I kept thinking of the times when I was told that solder wouldn’t jump gaps. Hopefully I’ll prove those people wrong. It worked so far but I’ll find out for sure after I cut away the flange.

noreply@blogger.com (Ralph parus) — Sun, 16 Sep 2012 00:30:00 +0000

I am still making things using the Masonite die forming process. I haven't used my hydraulic die forming equipment in awhile.
I am eager to build this into more than just a paying hobby.
This past week I started a new online shop at http://www.mi-made.com/ralphparusartmetal

. "Hand made in Michigan" is a site which promotes handcrafted products made in Michigan.

Pisces Wall art

Desktop Pumpkin

Desktop Peach

Pisces Wall art

I am searching for a widget similar to the Etsy Pocket Shop widget on the top of the right side bar of this blog. One which will display all of the products and prices in any online shop similar to Etsy, and allow a person to link to the product's in the shop. Please leave a comment if you have any suggestions.

Forming Art!

noreply@blogger.com (Ralph parus) — Tue, 07 Aug 2012 04:27:00 +0000

Forming Art!

I have always been intrigued by how things are formed. And not just the fascination of watching the heavy equipment being used to construct a building. When a documentary that showed what went on behind the scenes of filming a particular movie was broadcast on TV, my eyes were glued to the TV set. I was captivated by how the movie was physically put together after it was written..
And then came the fascination of seeing things being built on an assembly line, especially if those things were being made of metal. I suppose it is because of my upbringing in Detroit. Being raised in a town with such a heavy background in manufacturing will tend to do that to someone.

People have been forming art for thousands of years. Ever since prehistoric times people were forming sculpture. Even back then the artists were saying, “This is who we are” with the figurines that they created.

Sculpture is an art medium that allows the artist to form her/his impressions into whatever material they are working with.
Keep forming those impressions into metal.

Inspiration!

noreply@blogger.com (Ralph parus) — Wed, 01 Aug 2012 15:30:00 +0000

A very good article on gathering inspiration from the work of other artists without stealing their ideas.

Inside and Out

by Luann Udell

My advice to you today? Find your own distinct balance point of gazing inward, and outward. Recognize the signs that you’ve explored far enough. Know just how much internet surfing you can handle, and set your personal limits. Afraid of being copied? Step outside of that little spiritual prison. [...]

Read the rest of this article at:
http://fineartviews.com/blog/47040/inside-and-out

----------------------------------------------
This excerpt appears courtesy of FineArtViews Art Marketing Newsletter by FASO,
a free email newsletter about art, marketing, inspiration and fine living for artists,
collectors and galleries (and anyone else who loves art).

For a complimentary subscription, visit: http://www.fineartviews.com

7 Important steps to sell your art

noreply@blogger.com (Ralph parus) — Sun, 03 Jun 2012 02:03:00 +0000

Artists, Seven Important Steps to Get Your Work Out There!

Posted on May 24, 2012 by Andrea Rosenfeld

http://openstudiocoach.com/2012/05/artists-seven-important-steps-to-get-your-work-out-there/

noreply@blogger.com (Ralph parus) — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 16:39:00 +0000

2012 metal forming workshops
Sometime this spring, summer or fall, take a small vacation and learn something new at the same time. Then use that new information to advance your career goals in forming your metal art.
The workshops can be as short as a day or two or as long as a few weeks. If you are really lucky you could find an art residency that might allow you to live where you do your metalwork,for more than a few months.
There are plenty in the United States and plenty more in other parts of the world.
This is what I have found so far by doing a search with Google.

Penland School of Crafts,Penland North Carolina: penland.org/metals/index.html

There are plenty of classes in metal but take a good look at:

SUMMER SESSION 2
JUNE 10 - JUNE 22, 2012
Michael Gayk - Raising a Little Containment
We will investigate the vessel on an intimate scale while emphasizing the function of containment. Exploring the malleability of nonferrous metal and the plasticity this allows in the forming of sheet material, we will create holloware that emphasizes its contents through form and surface embellishment. Students will experiment with combining a number of processes, from angle raising and stretching to fabrication and hydraulic die forming. Basic soldering, sawing, and filing skills required. Code 02mb

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Peck School of Arts at University of Wisconsin MilWaukee has Metal arts classes that only last a few days.

http://www4.uwm.edu/psoa/artdesign/outreach/summermetals/

July 23 – 25 (6-9pm)
DIE FORMING: Make a Tea Strainer
Instructor: Stephanie Voegele
It’s teatime! Explore the process of hydraulic die forming and decorative sawing and piercing to create your own tea strainer. Use acrylic dyes to make a sterling silver three-dimensional form that you can customize with your own designs.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Buffalo State college. April 29-30 2012

This sounds exciting
Hydraulic Die Forming Workshop with Chris Irick
http://www.bengalconnect.com/organization/SIAM/calendar/details/141980
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
UCSD Crafts Center
UC San Diego 9500 Gilman Dr. 0338, La Jolla, CA 92093 (858) 534-2021

I do not believe there is a date yet for this class
Hydraulic press and die forming workshop

But the UCSD Crafts Center has many other Metal Arts classes as well.

I will be updating this list whenever I see another metal forming workshop listed on the web. It could be from anywhere in the world.

noreply@blogger.com (Ralph parus) — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 20:28:00 +0000

A Movie Quote to Get You Moving
-------------------------------------

by Luann Udell
--------------

There comes a time where it just seems too hard to do another show, to face another windy rainstorm at an art festival. Too hard to master yet another social medium in order to promote our work; to approach yet another gallery that will probably say no; to apply for yet another exhibition. At some point, it just seems easier to settle for what we know will work; to stick with the techniques we’ve already mastered; to answer every challenge with a heart-heavy “I tried that once and it didn’t work.” What if all it took were twenty seconds of insane courage? [...]

Read the rest of this article at:

http://faso.com/fineartviews/42969/a-movie-quote-to-get-you-moving

----------------------------------------------
This excerpt appears courtesy of FineArtViews Art Marketing Newsletter by FASO,
a free email newsletter about art, marketing, inspiration and fine living for artists,
collectors and galleries (and anyone else who loves art).

For a complimentary subscription, visit www.fineartviews.com:

-----------------------------------------------

wikihow

noreply@blogger.com (Ralph parus) — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 03:41:00 +0000

I wrote a how to article about Masonite die forming on WikiHow.

noreply@blogger.com (Ralph parus) — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 23:26:00 +0000

noreply@blogger.com (Ralph parus) — Sun, 06 Nov 2011 03:36:00 +0000

For a very good explanation of the Powder Coating process check out this video

Introduction into powder coating!

noreply@blogger.com (Ralph parus) — Sun, 06 Nov 2011 02:45:00 +0000

This project was my introduction into Powder Coating metal. A Powder coating on metal provides a more durable finish then paint does. It also doesnt release the fumes and chemicals into the air as paint does.

A powder is placed onto the metal and is held onto the surface electrostatically. There are many colors of powder out there to choose from. After the powder is placed on the metal ,the whole piece is heated in an oven that is dedicated to powder coating and the powder is cured onto the metal. During the curing process toxic fumes are created. Make sure to work in a well ventilated area and wear a respirator.

For a good explanation of powder coating check out this video: http://crafthaus.ning.com/video/powder-coating-with-mdb-hd?xg_source=activity

The powder coating system I use is the same one used in the video and was purchased at Harbor Freight.

I have created more pieces similar to the Pumpkin, and will use different colors of powder coating for each one. All of the pieces are either fruits or vegetables.

Masonite Die forming

noreply@blogger.com (Ralph parus) — Sun, 12 Jun 2011 03:57:00 +0000

In the past few months I have been forming metal more with Masonite dies then hydraulic die forming. It's probably because I am able to sink the metal deeper with the force of a hammer than with hydraulic force. Lately my designs have been calling for more depth than can be achieved with hydraulic die forming. My equipment isnt fairing to well either.

Copper Necklace with copper Heart Pendant!

noreply@blogger.com (Ralph parus) — Mon, 18 Apr 2011 15:08:00 +0000

www.etsy.com/shop/metalicimages

noreply@blogger.com (Ralph parus) — Thu, 18 Nov 2010 01:01:00 +0000

Heart of steel on wood!

noreply@blogger.com (Ralph parus) — Thu, 11 Nov 2010 01:44:00 +0000

Heart of steel on Wood!

After I posted this on my Facebook site, someone else who responded to the post wrote that it represented the strength of the heart with the impermanence of life!

This small sculpture is 5” x 8” x 1”.

It is made steel on wood.

The steel portion is 4.5’ x 4.5”

and was formed using the hydraulic die forming process.

Strart all over again

noreply@blogger.com (Ralph parus) — Thu, 07 Oct 2010 17:37:00 +0000

A few days ago I created a few pieces using the hydraulic die forming press I put together about six months ago. I’m afraid it might be the last time I’ll be able to use it though. When I bought the h frame shop press the top support was bent. I thought I would be able to put up with it, but the bend got worse
Each time I use it.
I guess I’ll just have to put together one of these :
http://www.ganoksin.com/borisat/nenam/practical-die-forming.htm
for my Enerpack 10 ton jack.

Approximate temperature of steel by color

noreply@blogger.com (Ralph parus) — Tue, 28 Sep 2010 17:24:00 +0000

http://www.muggyweld.com/color.html

Making a Small Hydraulic Press

noreply@blogger.com (Ralph parus) — Fri, 06 Aug 2010 21:50:00 +0000

And another way to make a Hydraulic press at home!

Making a Small Hydraulic Press

Tell us How you Form your Art!

noreply@blogger.com (Ralph parus) — Wed, 16 Jun 2010 21:04:00 +0000