Forging for beauty and utility
- Seth creates intricate metal utilitarian objects
- He combines coal forging with precision hand finishing and ornamentation
- His metal works have been exhibited internationally and across the USA
Based on the Cape Cod peninsula, Seth Gould is a metalsmith who specialises in meticulously assembled mechanical and analogue wonders. He started his practice while in college for fine metalwork and continued to develop his skills at the Penland School of Craft in North Carolina. "I took as many classes as I could from numerous metalsmiths with different specialities," he says. As Seth's practice matured, his output evolved into finely wrought metal pieces, ranging from singular tools such as hammers embellished with gold and silver, to more complex pieces such as highly embellished lock boxes. Working with a variety of metals, his process often begins in the coal forge before being finished by hand. Seth achieves fine, elaborate detailing by using tools such as files and chisels, working with techniques such as engraving and overlay to add ornamentation.
INTERVIEW
My practice is dual-natured. I create simple tools alongside highly embellished, one-of-a-kind pieces. These pieces include utilitarian objects such as locks, boxes, containers ornamented with fine metal overlay and inlay.
Each piece is rooted in utility and is designed to function at the highest level. The decision to use it for its intended purpose or keep it as a decorative object ultimately rests with the owner.
Being in the studio and making things is all about learning. I am constantly challenging myself. As a result, my most recent work is typically my most demanding.
Although it is viewed as a tough and rigid material, metal can be quite forgiving. My process often moves quite slowly, which allows time to catch mistakes before they occur. Ultimately, the biggest risk is the investment of time, taking weeks, months or even years to make an object.
