Colin McIntyre, Artist Blacksmith - Forged Metal Sculpture in Austin, Texas

This site showcases the sculptural metalwork that I do in my studio in Austin. I employ a combination of traditional forging practice with modern technology. My materials primarity consist of steel, copper, and stainless steel. You can see my work in the gallery below. Please contact me with any questions about availability or commisions.

colin@sculptureforge.com
512.479.9941

Colin McIntyre began studying metalwork in 1994, at the age of 17 with an apprenticeship under the artist Dr. Joe Smith in Caldwell, Texas. His early works were abstract forms fabricated in steel. A dedicated metal sculptor ever since, Colin began to focus on forging techniques around 2000. At that time, he relocated to Austin, Texas, where he still runs his metalworking studio. He has studied with numerous master blacksmiths in his quest for the skills required to accomplish his vision. Since then he has been working with a wide range of free form forging practices, producing innovative sculptural work. He shows his work around the country, as well as continually creating commissioned work for private collections. He is currently completing his first permanent public commission in Austin, Texas.

Forging hot metal presents a beautiful moment of spontaneous artistic creation; the forms and objects that result are perfect records of the event. Every hammer blow, every physical manipulation is frozen into the metal. He imbues a semblance of life into this medium that contrasts with its cold rigidity. Colin’s work is largely inspired by creatures from the oceans and all plant life.


Emergence	Emergence is a piece that I received a seed grant to create, from the 2009 Texas Biennial in cooperation with the Austin Art in Public Places Committee. I installed the piece for the Biennial in March of 2009 at Butler Park in Austin. It was up until December of that year, at which time it was invited for an extended stay at the Houston Center for Contemporary Craft. It is 15 feet tall and constructed entirely of forged steel. The work is available for purchase at this time.
Flora: A Progression	This three part piece was commissioned by Nancy Williams at her residence in Austin, TX. It depicts three stages of development in the life of a fantastical plant. It is a celebration of development and adaptation. The leaves and flowers have subtle LED illumination after dark (green and red respectively).
Marine Oddities	These pieces come from the deep seas of my imagination.
Organism Series	This is an ongoing series featuring imagined lifeforms with differing morphology. I am fascinated with taxonomy, the system in biology of classifying species based on their traits. These sinewy and flowing forms are forged in steel with the liquid metal sheen of nickel plate. The weight and rigidity of the material gives way to the apparent lightness of the form.
Various Works	An assortment of pieces from over the years.
Action Shots	A few photos showing my working process and equipment.