![\"Prometheus](\"https:\/\/www.westermans.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/mask12-219x300.jpg\")
![\"Sketch](\"https:\/\/www.westermans.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/sketchclose-copy-300x214.jpg\")
![\"Oliver](\"https:\/\/www.westermans.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/oliverlarge1.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\nTell us a little bit about how your business got started \u2013 what were you doing before you set it up?<\/h3>\n
I moved back to Cheshire where my family was in 1997 and set up my own workshop, mostly making practical items such as gates, railings and some items of furniture.<\/p>\n
It has taken many years to bring my work round to more decorative and sculptural pieces which I now specialise in. I still occasionally weld up the neighbour\u2019s rusty wheelbarrow, but the majority of my commissions are now high-end which is very satisfying.<\/p>\n
Do you have a favourite project that you have created?<\/h3>\n
I made a full size leaping horse for a client a few years ago, which is perhaps the most impressive piece I\u2019ve created. It was a challenge at every stage but very enjoyable. I also like making smaller pieces such as the insect and \ufb02ower sculptures I\u2019ve made using copper and stainless steel.<\/p>\n
Anything where budget is no object so I can work on it until it\u2019s a masterpiece!<\/p>\n Most of my work is inspired by nature. I don\u2019t like copying nature because I don\u2019t think for example that a metal rose will ever be as beautiful as a real one. However an interpretation of a \ufb02ower in metal without slavishly sticking to accuracy can be something new and interesting. I look more at natural forms such as the way plants grow, trees brach out, seed heads open and insects are constructed and make my own approximations, keeping in mind what will look good in metal.<\/p>\n I was asked to design some pieces for a forest sculpture trail which, unusually, was intended for disabled access, so the sculptures needed to have impact when viewed from a nearby path. The idea for the deer sculpture was that it should be camou\ufb02aged in the forest until your eyes picked it out. It could also be interpreted as a \u2018forest spirit\u2019, not quite solid. Hence it is made in a framework so it is transparent.<\/p>\n I\u2019ve studied a lot of artists work over the years including the wonderful metalwork of Samuel Yellin and also Gaudi. I look at other media as well, such as the photography of Karl Blossfeldt and the wood carving of Grindling Gibbons.<\/p>\n I intend to try to focus more on smaller more intricate pieces of work in the future. Making huge pieces is fun but physically challenging, and I enjoy working small scale too. I also plan to balance metalwork with writing. It\u2019s good to have more than one outlet for your creativity.<\/p>\n Welding is easy. I am not the worlds best welder or blacksmith, but if you can do it adequately, all that\u2019s important is your design ideas and working out how to achieve them.<\/p>\n Also, wear suitable protection!<\/p>\n Great advice David and thanks again for joining us! If you would like to find out more about David’s work you can visit his website: http:\/\/davidfreedmansculpture.co.uk\/<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" In this, the latest installment of our Welding Showcase we’re joined by David Freeman. A very gifted artist blacksmith and sculptor, David has been creating impressive works over the last 15 years. His eclectic style includes furniture, huge outdoor sculptures … Continue reading <\/a><\/p>\nDo you have any dream commissions or projects you\u2019d love to create?<\/h3>\n
Your sculptural work is very varied, from intricate masks to stunning insects \u2013 where does your inspiration come from for these pieces?<\/h3>\n
<\/a> <\/a> <\/p>\nCould you tell us a little more about the sculptures you made for the Wyre Forest Sculpture Trail and how they came about?<\/h3>\n
<\/a> <\/p>\nWho are your biggest design inspirations?<\/h3>\n
<\/a> <\/a> <\/a><\/p>\nWhat are your plans for the future?<\/h3>\n
<\/a> <\/p>\nWhat advice would you give to people looking to get into welding?<\/h3>\n