Bob Oakes Click once on each thumbnail image to show the bigger picture...
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Wall
Candlestick
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Wall
Oil Lamp
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3B
Candlestick
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Floral
Energy
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Folded
Figure
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Leaf
Candlestick
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Gaudiesque
Gate
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Rams
Head Series
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Table
Oil Lamp
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Tealight
Holder
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| "Having
begun my career as an Artist Blacksmith in this very building, it is with
feelings of nostalgia and pride that I now view some of my latest work displayed
amongst the many fine pieces in this gallery". "Iron is an earthy element, smelted from its ore and wrought in the Smith’s hearth in order to attain its final shape and form. At white heat it can be hammer-welded and possesses a fluidity almost characteristic of molten glass. These unique properties enable the material to express the depth of exploration and feeling latent within my work especially when married to other ‘earthy’ materials such as stone, glass, ceramics and polished agate". "Ideas, inspiration and images for my work are often sown as seeds that remain dormant in my mind for some considerable time before awaking to fruition as a basis for sculptural form. The final result often bears little resemblance to the original image - only captivating brief memories and glimpses of texture and movement and colour", "For myself the foremost quality of expression in my work and the most essential ingredient can be summed up in one small word; Flow. A static object is brought to life when flowing form has been employed within its exploitation of aesthetics, dynamics and movement". "Enjoy my work and go with the flow!" The Cold Hanworth
Forge School of Blacksmithing was launched in Dec 2001, BOB OAKES,
a well known Artist Blacksmith for 25 years, had taught adult education
evening classes in schools and weekend courses at his previous forge at
Alvingham near Louth, Lincolnshire. The moving to larger premises enabled
Bob to set up a purpose built Blacksmithing school. |
