Intro to Oxy-Acetylene Torch Welding: Steel Hollow Form Sculpture
Sadlebird by Rhea Vedro, 2013. Oxy-acetylene welded hollow-formed sheet steel, metal leaf, automotive paint, wood, 33" x 61" x 70". Photo by Julia Featheringill.
Learn to work with fire and weld your own small hollow-form steel objects using thin sheet steel and oxy-acetylene welding torches in this fun, introductory workshop. Using a basic pattern provided by the instructor–and then one of your own design–learn to cut, form, and weld steel. We will explore basic pattern-making, cutting, and forming sheet metal into organic forms, hammers and tooling, torch welding seams, and simple texturing, patinas, and finishing techniques. Exclusive for beginners.
Rhea Vedro (she/her) is a metalsmith exploring the intersection of materiality and healing through welded hollow-form steel sculpture. Vedro is a Lecturer and Artist in Residence at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Her project portfolio includes Amulet, a sculpture commissioned for Boston’s City Hall Plaza, Boston Public Art Accelerator Program, Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, Artisans Asylum, North Bennet Street School, UW–Madison, New York City Parks Foundation, and creative community spaces throughout the Americas. Vedro received an MFA in Metals from SUNY New Paltz.