AUGUST 2–OCTOBER 4
An Exhibition of Contemporary BIPOC Metal Artists
Touchstone Center for Crafts is thrilled to be hosting Born in Fire, an exhibition featuring works from Smiths for Promotion of Accessibility, Representation, and Community (SPARC). national juried exhibition.
This exhibition highlights the artistry and innovation of BIPOC metalworkers, showcasing a diverse range of functional and sculptural metalwork. The pieces explore themes of identity, innovation, craft, and storytelling, emphasizing the unique perspectives these artists bring to the field, and the potential for reimagining certain techniques and mediums. Forging Our Way aims to create a platform for BIPOC voices in metalwork while celebrating the technical mastery and creativity of its participants. The exhibition seeks to foster a deeper appreciation of the craft and the stories behind each piece, and emphasize the breadth of imagery and technique that falls within “metalwork.”
PARTICIPATING ARTISTS
- Candice Benton
- Danielle Cadef
- Bianca Dorsey
- Helen Elliot
- Helios Heartstar
- Naomi Johnson
- Mia Kaplan
- Maggie MacKenzie
- Azita Mireshghi
- Dhanviee Misra
- Nadia Nazar
- Freeman Osabutey
- Taylor Saleem
- Andrew Thornton
GUEST JUROR AND CURATOR
David Harper Clemons
David Harper Clemons was born in El Paso, Texas, and spent much of his life in Austin. His early interests in the arts were inspired and encouraged by the craft work of his grandfather Alex Harper Jr., a custom stocksmith in San Antonio. Many mentors, including Deborah Roberts, graciously offered their expertise in guiding Clemons.
Initially, Clemons began his undergraduate career attending Tulane University in New Orleans, Louisiana, pursuing programming in Biology and Art. He attended the program for just under two years before returning to Austin to complete his BFA at the University of Texas in Austin, with a primary emphasis in painting. His focus shifted to object-making and ultimately, under Helen Shirk, he earned his MFA in Metalsmithing from San Diego State University in 2007. He then taught in the art department at the University of Arkansas in Little Rock, Arkansas for ten years. During eight of those years, he developed and headed the Metalsmithing and Jewelry Department.
Clemons presently lives and creates work in Penland, North Carolina. His work embraces the craft of metalsmithing and its collected history of techniques and objects. The resulting works rendered in metal, mixed media, and handmade artist books are vehicles to communicate ideas surrounding identity and social commentary, or forays into material and process-based work. Clemons has work included in the collections of the Arkansas Art Center, National Ornamental Metal Museum, Yale Contemporary Craft Collection, and the Renwick Gallery.
ABOUT SPARC
SPARC (Smiths for the Promotion of Accessibility, Representation, and Community) was founded by the Society of Inclusive Blacksmiths’ BIPOC Cohort, a collective of independent artists who work in metal and identify as BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, Person of Color). Our hope is to further the work of the Society of Inclusive Blacksmiths in supporting and promoting historically underrepresented populations. We believe in building community, creating fellowship, and raising visibility for BIPOC makers. We aim to do this through educational programming, in-person events, and exhibitions which highlight the diversity and innovation of the BIPOC maker community working in metal.
The Society of Inclusive Blacksmiths is committed to building equity and diversity in the field of blacksmithing. We offer mentorship opportunities, connections to educational and other resources, and special events that empower and support our community while reducing the social and economic barriers to this work.
The Society of Inclusive Blacksmiths is powered by Shunpike. Shunpike is the 501 (c)3 non-profit agency that empowers artists through equitable access to vital expertise, opportunities, and business services.