I work with a range of materials to bring vision into form.

​Consider metal. Its elemental forms live in bogs or in the underground for millions of years until miners dig it up. Smelters extract metals from the rock and transform the elements into something useful or ornamental that can last for 1,000's more years to come.

The metal is reborn into a hook, a blade, an earring, or sculpture - an endless variety of forms, a legacy. The monetary and personal value steadily increase, as does the connection to enduring nature and our place in it. 

I work closely with clients to fulfill their unique visions - from ancient to modern styles - always striving for museum quality results that resonate with that deep inspiration for the piece. 

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Let your imagination be your guide...

These are examples of commissioned projects.
​Let your imagination speak and we will co-create something new and beautiful. 

The couple desired a steel handmade railing, replete with the maker's touch. Ted translated the couple's vision into a mechanical drawing that respected their aesthetic. Shaping the hard steel to fit into the hand-hewn beam and base was accomplished by meticulously crafting the railing on site until the fit was perfect. So perfect in fact that the couple declared they would take the railing with them, if they ever moved! (Two 13'L X 3"H; one 11"L X 42"H) 

Rising from the ashes was particularly meaningful for this client whose home had burned down. Ted sketched and shared four different designs of the hand-repouseed Phoenix fire screen with respect for the personal significance of this process for the client, which was especially meaningful for Ted as well; he too had survived the burning of his own home. The fine detail of this piece for the feathers and wings reflect the anatomical accuracy with which Ted approaches such work. It also notable that this is one sheet of metal; there is no welding. (3’W X 2’H)

A memorial bench and garden plaque honors this Nursing Home's ALS residents as well as a woman with ALS whose family wanted her memory to live on. Ted sketched until the client felt the design reflected Melissa's "passion for living" and fiery red hair, and the bench organically blending into its environment. Each letter is individually handmade and joined to the bench's plaque. 

This gate at Boston's MassArt weld shop was grant funded. The images tell a story of welders creating alongside beloved companion animals. If you look closely enough, you might catch Rosemary the goat chewing the oxyacetylene welding hose. (10’8”H X 11’8”W)

A private residence now showcases this artisan railing at its entrance. The client provided an example image to be loosely followed. The work in progress was brought to the site for client feedback and engagement with the creative process. Creating a smooth curve for flat metal without distortions presents an opportunity to use expert techniques, such as advanced forming and bending to resolve sculpturally. (Spiral: 10”Diameter)

This convex brass cairn adorns the wall of Greenfield Community Acupuncture in Massachusetts. We worked from the client's description and measurements, showed the work in progress, and refined the design and smithing process until a beautiful wall sculpture was complete. Shaping annealed convex brass with deep curves can be challenging, but with our expertise and ingenuity, the curves took shape! (3½’H X 21”W)

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Proceeds are donated to the ​Rosenberg Fund for Children and to the Northeast Arc. ​

Copyright 2020, Ted Hinman