Roberta Elliott

Artist Statement

What do you get when you cross a tennis player with an artist? A blacksmith. Throw in a lifetime gardener and that blacksmith works in an organic style with a nature theme. The first time I struck iron, I was smitten. There is something wonderfully indescribable about the energy exchange that takes place while blacksmithing. The heat from the fire and the force of the hammer's blow feed and energize me.

My primary material is mild steel. I particularly enjoy using gas pipe. This hollow material gives an impression of mass without the actual weight and provides an additional surface (the interior) with its own potential to be worked. It is a form that requires a gentle and patient hammer blow, so it doesn't collapse.

The versatility of mild steel allows it to take the bold shapes usually associated with ironwork, as well as the soft, feminine lines for which I strive. My work often contains botanical references, and I can create images that evoke continuing growth. Each heat of the metal offers an opportunity to explore. The results can be unexpected, opening up an entirely new path leading to the spontaneity evident in many of my creations.

Then there is the fascination of forge welding. I am amazed every time I successfully perform this weld, in which two or more pieces are heated to 2600 degrees, carefully introduced to each other and firmly hammered into a single unit. Vigilance and focus are required; uncertainty and excitement are part of the process. I try to incorporate at least one forge weld in every piece I design.
Lately, I have been exploring a realm of fantasy, creating a family I call "The Pods". The name describes their resemblance to seed pods. As they developed, they started projecting personalities, thus demanding names. Their whimsical nature truly represents the joy I derive blacksmithing. And they are all encompassing being animal (their persona), mineral (steel) and vegetable (seed pods). Their only purpose in life is to bring a smile to your face.

My creations represent original designs and personal interpretations of traditional forms and techniques. Many of their elements reflect shapes visible in the wooded areas that surround our home. I commission a glass blower to make the shades for my lamps. My husband assists me when a second pair of hands is needed.


C.V.

EDUCATION
1974 B.A. DePauw University, Greencastle, IN
1980 Ph.D. Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL
License, Midwest School of Horseshoeing, Macomb, IL
1985-6 Independent study with Brent Kington and Daryl Meier
1986 Master class with Tom Joyce
1996 Study with Peter Ross

EXHIBITIONS
2007 Appalachian Center for the Crafts, Smithville, TN
"Scratching the Surface" solo exhibition
2005 Illinois Artisan Shop, Chicago, IL featured artist
Kentucky Museum of Art and Craft, Louisville, KY
"Forging Ahead: Contemporary American Blacksmiths"
2002 Zoller Gallery, Pennsylvania State University
Crafts National 36
2001 Three Rivers Arts Festival, Pittsburgh, PA
Juried Visual Arts Exhibition
2000 Ohio Craft Museum, Columbus, OH
Best of 2000
1998- Traveling Invitational, Exhibits USA
2000 "Earth, Fire and Water"
1994 National Ornamental Metal Museum, Memphis, TN
"ABANA Comes of Age"
1990 Illinois Governor's Mansion, Springfield, IL
Three person invitational
AWARDS
2007 Old Capitol Art Fair, Springfield, IL Best of Sculpture
Art and Air, St. Louis, MO Best of Sculpture
2006 Old Capitol Art Fair, Springfield, IL Best of Sculpture
Art and Air, St. Louis, MO Best of Sculpture
Fine Furnishing Show, Milwaukee, WI Best of Show, accessories
St. James Court Art Show, Louisville, KY Kosair award
Art in the Park, Highland, IL Best of Sculpture
James R. Thompson merit award
2005 Old Capitol Art Fair, Springfield, Il Best of Sculpture
Lakeview East Art Show, Chicago, IL Best of 3-D Functional
Art in the Park, Highland, IL Mayor's Award
2004 Old Capitol Art Fair, Springfield, IL
Best Portfolio
2003 Old Capitol Art Fair, Springfield, IL Best of Show
Krasl Art Fair on the Bluff, St. Joseph, MI Best of Metal
Midwest Salute to the Masters, Fairview Heights, IL Best of Fine Craft
2001 Midwest Salute to the Masters, Fairview Heights, IL Best of Fine Crafts
1999 Illinois Artisans Program Third Annual James R. Thompson Award for Excellence in Crafts
1988 Illinois State Fair Professional Art Exhibition, Springfield, IL 1st and 2nd Place

COLLECTIONS
Illinois Governor's Collection
John A. Logan College
R. Bruce McMillan
Hon. James R. Thompson
West Virginia Governor's Mansion
Springfield, IL Civic Art Collection
Mary Washington (The Supremes)
The Indigo Girls

PUBLICATIONS AND REVIEWS
2002 The Rest of the Story, Paul Harvey
2001 Made in Illinois
2000 The Contemporary Blacksmith, Dona Z. Meilach
1990,2005 Chicago Tribune, Chicago, IL
1989 St. Louis Post Dispatch, St. Louis, MO
1988 Heartland Blacksmiths, Richard Reichelt