Rachel David
RED Metal
Blacksmith
Waynesville, NC, USA
Recommended by American Craft Council
Steelwork and sculptural stories
- Rachel's metal furniture holds complex narratives within functional form
- She sees material, process and environment as inseparable from concept
- She is an advocate for the blacksmithing community
Rachel David works primarily in steel with a focus on sculptural furniture. "The full scope of my practice includes art, furniture, architectural elements, community activism and gardening,” she explains. The shapes and textures of Rachel's works in steelwork resemble landscapes and flesh, exploring the vulnerabilities of the earth and the body. "My pieces are designed to live with people over time, accruing meaning through use and presence," she says. Deeply committed to equity and advocacy within the blacksmithing field, Rachel is the co-founder of the Society of Inclusive Blacksmiths and served on its governance committee from 2017 to 2025. Her work has been exhibited in the USA and internationally in solo and group exhibitions.
INTERVIEW
I have always made things: my hands have been busy since childhood. I was first drawn to steel through welding. Its usefulness, durability and endless possibilities attracted me. I love the many different metal alloys and their distinct individualities.
I am inspired to create work that bears witness and tells stories. My experiences and observations drive me to make furniture that protect, vessel that hold secrets, and seating that offers shelter.
My favourite tool is always the one best suited for the current project. Each new job brings a new favorite. My go-to's are my entirely rebuilt and slightly quirky powerhammer, a collection of handheld pneumatic hammers, and a hydraulic press that I made.
Moving from my longtime home in New Orleans to the mountains of Western North Carolina was the biggest personal risk I have taken and the sharpest turning point in my career to date.
