Hammering one’s way forward
- Carson is inspired by the arts and crafts movement and Art Nouveau
- He owns about 50 metal hammers in different shapes and sizes
- His primary materials are copper and silver
Inspired by design movements from the late 19th and 20th centuries such as Art Nouveau and Art Deco, Carson Sio carries forward the practice of metalworking. His pieces include refined kitchenware objects such as pitchers, cups, tripodal bowls, as well as other home décor such as clocks and lamps. They all bring to mind the finer pieces produced by the smiths of old. From his workshop in Philadelphia, Carson works primarily with hammers and stakes of all characteristics and dimensions. "The stakes are important as they form the library of shapes with which I can create my work,” he explains. With these tools, and relentless hours of hammering, Carson will work the metal into familiar yet contemporary forms, that he finishes with patina or a high gloss.
Discover his work
INTERVIEW
I first started doing metal work when I was in college. I went to the University of the Arts in Philadelphia to study industrial design. While I was getting my degree, I also took elective courses in the crafts department. I took an intro to metalsmithing class and that is where I really fell in love with it.
Yes, definitely. All my work is hammer formed, and very little is soldered into place. I start with sheets of metal and hammer them for hours to get them into the shapes I want. Hammering a large form can take over a week or two and that definitely takes a toll on your body.
It depends what I am working on. If I am working on commission, then as the design builds up with the client, I order material for the project. When I am making a piece for artistic purposes, I begin with working on whatever material I have at my disposal.
As the form evolves, my intention changes. I might have started with something vague in my head such as 'will I make a tall piece with a heavy base and a skinny top, or the other way around?'. As the piece develops, the shape slowly locks in and I watch it develop under the hammer, which is really fascinating.
