David Smith is considered to be one of the most important American artists and the first to make sculptures by welding steel. Smith trained as a welder in an automobile factory in Indiana and later studied painting at the Art Students League in New York City. He began welding sculptures after seeing an example of a welded steel sculpture by Pablo Picasso. In 1940, Smith moved full-time to Bolton Landing, in the Adirondack Mountains, where he built himself a home and workspaces. In this setting, his sculpture gradually became larger and more abstract. He incorporated found metal elements and parts of discarded machinery and began arranging his sculptures on the rolling hills of his property, like family groups or rows of crops. Sometimes, he would drive them to the local dock and photograph them against Lake George and the surrounding mountains. Dialogue with nature became an integral part of Smith’s artistic practice.
Each of us can open our minds and put to practice what David Smith brought to life in his work. The David Smith residency invites artists to come together and create their own sculptures. In this intensive workshop participants will observe and practice several fundamental techniques used in metal fabrication. Time will be split between demonstration and assisted hands-on practice. The instructor will demonstrate the safe and proper use of various equipment. Students will then choose metal scrap material to create a sculpture of their design. Techniques covered include MIG welding, heating, bending, and cutting using an oxy-acetylene torch, and cutting using a plasma cutter.
This three-day, eighteen-hour workshop is intended for beginners with no prior experience but is also appropriate for people with some previous experience as well. Space is limited to six students with a minimum age of 21.
Working in conjunction with The Hyde Collection, Salem Art Works invites you to attend our three-day welding workshop. Housing and meals are available for an additional cost based on availability. The dates are Friday, September 8th, 2023, thru Sunday, September 10th.
This workshop is presented in partnership with The Hyde Collection and the exhibition Songs of the Horizon: David Smith, Music, and Dance, organized in commemoration of The Hyde Collection’s sixtieth anniversary as a public museum. This exhibition, curated by Dr. Jennifer Field, Executive Director of The Estate of David Smith, features works of art from important private and public collections, and The Estate of David Smith, in addition to a selection of rare archival materials.
Students must wear closed-toed shoes, have hair tied, a hat or bandana (recommended), and long pants. Wear natural-fibered clothing and avoid synthetic fabrics.
Friday/Saturday/Sunday
September 8-10th, 2023
Skill Level: Beginner (No experience required)
Six Students Max
Workshop Fee: $480
Materials Fee: $60
Time: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Lunch 12:00 - 1:00 PM
Minimum Age 21+
Bring your own lunch and water bottle!
There is a 25% cancellation fee for all workshops and classes if requested with two weeks of prior notice. Deposits and payments are nonrefundable within two weeks of the scheduled date.
David Smith. Sentinel V. 1959. Stainless steel, 145 1/2 x 46 x 18 3/4 in. (369.6 x 116.8 x 47.6 cm). The Estate of David Smith © 2023 The Estate of David Smith / Licensed by VAGA at Artists Rights Society (ARS), NY. Photo: Jerry L. Thompson