Forged Fashion: Body Adornment with Ellen Durkan

We're thrilled to welcome Ellen Durkan of Iron Maiden Forge to the CAFAC smithy for a weekend intensive workshop focused on forging a metal piece to be worn around the neck.

The class will begin with demonstration and practice of various forging methods, including short forging assignments to build the skills needed to construct an individual piece. Next, you'll design and problem solve your piece with the guidance of the instructor. Don't worry if you can't draw - the class is intended to help you through the design process to a completed piece.

To create your adornment, you'll combine different forging and forming techniques using bar stock. We'll focus on creating balanced symmetry in steel by using repetition of form, hammer control, material isolation, and movement. The outcome will be your own design of an object that becomes personal and alive when worn on the body. Workshop is open from beginner to advanced students.

$600  |  3-day intensive
Open to ages 16 and up.

Instructor: Ellen Durkan is an artist blacksmith based in Wilmington, DE, who teaches both in a college setting and through her business, Iron Maiden Forge.  Ellen specializes in wearable “Forged Fashion” art that she presents through performance runway shows in addition to large-scale drawings.  While completing her MFA, she was intrigued by  metalworking and that led her down the blacksmithing path.  Ellen enjoys creating pieces to fit the complex forms of the figure and how each piece takes on a new presence with a new wearer. She creates forged work to decorate the body as visual and metaphorical armor.  The metal forging and forming process constantly inspires Ellen to build challenging new creations to be worn.