We are featuring local blacksmith Erica Gordon for Summer Fest Eve a.k.a. Local's Night Thursday July 12, 2018, 5 – 9p. Erica has been blacksmithing for roughly 20 years, and is now distilling her ideas into smaller works. Instead of forging large chunks of steel she is forging thin steel wire, finding she can have the same textural effect on a different scale.
Erica is super excited to introduce her new line that includes sculptural pieces influenced by form and geometry — line and texture. She has also started to work with color in the use of gemstone beads like tourmaline and rose quartz, combining the softness of the color with crisp steel and stainless steel.
Her new line is named Geo/Gem. Each piece is named after (badass) goddesses related to the earth, sky and sea.
How would you describe what you make?
Modern sculptural jewelry.
Can you tell us about your favorite piece in your current collection?
The Demi Necklace- it combines my love of texture, rhythm and design.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given?
Focus on what you love, do the very best job you can.
Can you describe your favorite part of the process in your work?
Designing is my favorite process- I play with metal, sketch, play some more until I create what I am looking for. Then I create iterations on that theme until I have a body of work.
What inspired you to become a blacksmith?
I have been blacksmithing since 1997, got my first taste of it at Penland School of Craft with master blacksmith Elizabeth Brim; I started my own business after 6 years of apprenticeships with smiths in different parts of the United States. Steel Toe Studio was established in 2003 here in Seattle where I continue to make primarily jewelry and belt buckles in my studio.
To meet Erica and learn more about Steel Toe Studios stop by Click! during the West Seattle Art Walk on Thursday July 12th, 5 – 9p.