Retooled Smithing Station

Nov 24

I have several workstations in my shop that perform different functions. I recently retooled the smithing station where I would make jewelry, mainly cuff bracelets. I'll include a few images of the cuff. Jewelry isn’t something I’m doing anymore but I still get a random request. So, this smithing station consisted of a railroad track, modified sledge and a dinky little piece of junk vise that always needed a lot of upkeep because it was falling apart. Mind you, this oak stump isn’t a large surface area but I really wanted a large vise and anvil. This sale email came in from Harbor Freight showing the anvil and later I noticed this vise with a lower profile. Right Away, I’m noticing the anvil has an opening at the leg base, maybe the vise could fit through there. I’m always careful when considering Harbor Freight stuff but these two items were perfect for my needs and with an unbeatable price!

I have already used it a number of times and I just love it!!

I had this customer that ordered one of my spiral cuffs. This was made from 5/16” square stainless steel bar, the most I could do by hand. After he received it, it was shipped to New Zealand where this other artist engraved it, supper cool!! Check it out!

Here’s another cuff that was ordered from me. A hammered cuff in a few width choices made from stainless steel.

John Garloff

Artist in Metal Illumination

I’m in a phase of life at age 60, a recovered alcoholic/drug addict with 34 years sobriety, and with little formal education, have found a great deal of wisdom from past years of life through its challenges, freedoms, and triumphs.

Working with metal, developing and creating illuminated sculptures instills a sense of purpose and healing of childhood trauma from a mom, intent on committing suicide and then succeeding when I was eleven.

There’s something exceedingly special that happens in the shop when designing and creating that inspires, soothes and heals my spirit. I have been learning, researching and buying specific tools for my artistic endeavor since 2009. For the past few years, I have been pursuing galleries but have been declined by many because they didn’t see me as an artist, only a “craftsman”. This has lit a fire and gives me the determination to change this perception.

In January, my wife and I collaborated on an art showcase that yielded a great response and recognition validating me as an artist. My ambition and dream is to push the lamp designs far beyond anything imaginable.

Each piece is a great learning experience filled with complexity and development. It’s all about appealing to your sense of touch, sound and the visual aesthetics. Some of my latest added tools into the shop are a welder, English wheel and bead roller. I’m encouraged to include further new tools that will enhance the many traditional hand tools from some of the old timers I have encountered along the way.

The Tea House, a pagoda style design was created from galvanized sheet metal with embossed flower stems on the bead roller. This was the first item sold at my recent art showcase that incorporated several techniques used in the autobody industry.

This entire experience allows me to grow into becoming the best version of self and move forward as a progressive artist with confidence. My style is a fusion of inspirations including industrial and the influential godfather of steampunk, Jules Verne, French novelist and poet.

I am motivated to express and share my art through gratitude for love and life, connection with people, the planet, and its beauty.

https://www.jgarloffdesign.com/

Retooled Smithing Station

Passage II~mission style lamp design series

Our Patio Makeover

J.Garloff Design