Oct
31
2018
Eric Ober
All of my work is hand forged from steel using welding and fabricating techniques. All of the work on my art is done entirely by myself without the use of any casting processes. My work is unique in that I worked with steel long before I began creating steel sculpture. My skills, coupled with a degree in mechanical engineering, allow me to create sculpture that appears to defy the bounds of physics or is unique in its own right. I use equipment that most artist do not have available or the expertise to use. My desire is to create art work that is appealing. Some work is intended to create a smile. While other pieces are intended to cause the viewer to walk away thinking. To me, art is about expressing and communicating. The piece comes to life when people can find their own meaning. When I create my work, I start with general steel shapes (square bar, flat stock, pipe, sheet metal, etc.). These basic shapes become the foundation for my pieces. For my detailed hand pieces I use pieces of flat stock to build up metal in the areas. These areas are then ground using a hand grinder into the rough shape. The final shaping and polishing is done using a grinder with a sand paper disk. On my contemporary pieces, I use hydraulic benders. As the pieces are bent the life of the piece takes shape. Finally, I coat the finished piece with one of several different methods. In order to preserve the steel finish, a clear polyurethane coating is used. I also can powder coat the pieces to obtain bright colors that will withstand the elements outdoors. Automotive paints can also be used to create even more unique finishes; for example, the chameleon paint actually changes colors as it is viewed from different places. My inspiration comes from my family and daily life experiences. My art has many facets, just like my life and my personality. The pieces I create evolve and change as I continue to grow and learn as an artist. I encourage you to ask any questions about my work or my sculpturing methods.