Sheet metal transformations
By constantly meeting people, friends and acquaintances, I get different information about the way sheet metal is processed and used in practice. One such interesting topic was sheet metal forming by artist Manuela Geugelin and her method for creating decorative structures and 3D objects. It has nothing to do with the plumbing craft, with plumbing precision or architectural perfection in the form of necessary lines and structures.
This is a “simple” method of wrinkling the sheet metal, then knocking the sheet metal from each side and then done. The art is in the world.
But it’s not. It also has a bit in common with the plumbing craft, especially the method of hammering sheet metal. It is the moving and stretching of the sheet metal in the direction that the “beater” wishes or does not wish. The whole creation of the structure requires a certain intention that cannot be imagined, a certain craftsmanship, a certain feel for the material and, above all, infinite patience. A common affliction of this arts and crafts production is that the sheet metal breaks in the exact place where you don’t want it to. But that is what is interesting and exciting about this method. A piece of sheet metal processed in this way will come to life under your hands The whole article was written as a report from a training course by Manuela Geugelin, which was organised by the publishers of BAUMETAL magazine and held at the Plumbing Museum in Karlstadt. Whether this is art or just vanity we leave to the responsible persons to judge. The aim of this article is to show how you can let your imagination run wild very easily with a hammer in your hand and mufflers in your ears. Earplugs are essential equipment, because banging a hammer on sheet metal creates a lot of noise not only in the room but also in your head.
Who is Manuela Geugelin?
Manuela is a very likable artist who works with metal structures in various forms and uses. You can see all her work on her website
I had the opportunity to see some of her works directly at the workshop. I am attaching the photos with a short description of my view of their appearance and how it affected me.
Production of own structure
The purpose of the workshop was to teach the participants to create their own structure according to their own ideas. The overall structure is created by transforming the sheet metal by bending, folding the sheet metal and then hammering the selected lines. It is these that create the wrinkled, crinkled structure that always looks different. The result is an interesting element that captivates everyone with its unusual shapes and angles. The whole thing will be emphasised by the right amount of light and positioning in the interior.
Brass is interesting
Operations can be performed with any material that can be cold-formed. Softer materials such as copper, aluminium or titanium zinc are optimal, but are more difficult to work with. It is the colour that will create an interesting texture structure. The reflection of light off the plate sheet at different angles will create an interesting object that cannot be bought or replicated anywhere. Every single piece is an original.
Copper is addictive
We spent most of our time forming the copper sheet. It is also the most beautiful to look at and the same colour on both sides. This is interesting and a very good choice when making the first works in this material. The procedure was the same as for the previous material.
Works by classmates and trainees
There were several participants at the workshop and I took the liberty of documenting their creations. As well as my creation realized in about 5 hours and those their creations are not perfect and would need more time to complete. Regardless of the shortness of time, you too can judge for yourself if the effort was worth it.
Required tools
You don’t need any special tools to work on creating the structure, but you do need skill with a hammer, pliers and some fitness for this physically demanding activity.
How was it created?
It is better to see once than to read a hundred times. So watch these lines directly and on the video, where you will get a better idea of the different procedures in the creation of these structures. I hope you find it helpful and interesting.
What was created?
The goal of attending the training was to create a structure that I can take home and display in my office or living room. This was successful and you can see my heart structure in the photo.
Video
You can also watch the video directly on this page if you are not a fan of youtube.
Complete photo documentation
Other pictures can be found in this gallery.
