Inspired Design: Metal Artists

By Julie Moir Messervy

Metal and stone sculpture by Lou Nop of Middlebury, Vermont. Photo courtesy of Lou Nop.

When treated properly, wrought iron, ornamental iron, and COR-TEN steel can all be wonderful additions to a landscape.  We’ve had the pleasure of associating with a group of talented metal artists lately, so I thought it was time to share their work.

L: At 19,000 pounds and 19 feet high, Richard Duca’s evocative iron sculpture at the Willow Pond Knoll in Mount Auburn Cemetery seems to transcend the laws of physics. Photo: North American Cemeteries. R: This shade-dappled Beacon Hill garden features the gorgeous metal sculptures of Peter Andruchow. Photo: JMMDS.

We’ve blogged about him before, but we need to do it again:  Peter Andruchow of Woven Steel continues to be our go-to fabricator and artist in the Boston area.  We have been working with Peter and Richard Duca, the creator of the mysterious and compelling COR-TEN steel sculpture that forms the focal point of our garden at Mount Auburn Cemetery’s Willow Knoll, to create what we’re calling the “handrill” for a client’s garden in the Boston area.  We’ll blog about it in more detail once it’s completely finished, but here’s a sneak preview: envision a rill channel along the top of a 40′ curving wall that spills into a circular pool.  Anna Johansen is the project designer, who has done a wonderful job shepherding its design and installation.

Work-in-progress: the COR-TEN steel “handrill,” created by Richard Duca and Peter Andruchow with project designer Anna Johansen. Photos: JMMDS.

A new—and local—friend in the field is Lou Nop, a metal artist from Middlebury, Vermont.  I met Lou at the Vermont Flower Show, where he had created three fascinating pieces:  a 26’-wide “nest” into which sticks had been woven, an elegant wooden door with beautifully wrought iron hinges, and a steel bridge with art deco-style lights.  I visited his studio recently and saw more of his pieces.  My favorites:  a stone and steel gateway that, despite its weight, can blow open with the wind, and a steel castle that he built for his four children. Wow!

Some varied works of Middlebury metal artist Lou Nop. L and C photos courtesy of Lou Nop. R: Steel castle. Photo: Julie Moir Messervy.

I also enjoy the work of  Jill Nooney, owner, with husband Bob Munger of Fine Garden Art, located at Bedrock Farm in Lee, NH.  Jill’s one-of-a-kind sculptures, arches, water features, creatures, and more must be seen to be believed! Visit their website for fantastic images and a schedule of Open House days.

Some of Jill Nooney’s remarkable sculptures at Fine Garden Art. Photos by Julie Moir Messervy.

Patrick Gracewood, a friend and reader, is a fine artist from Portland who works in various media, including metal. His enchanting bear fountains, one of which is pictured below, change expressions in different light.

L: Bear fountain by Patrick Gracewood. R: Gracewood’s bronze triptych Bouquet for the City. Photos: Patrick Gracewood Studio.

It’s lovely and inspiring to view sculpture in a garden setting. Cairn Croft, Kevin Doyle’s magical garden in Dover, MA, features sculptors in many media, metal among them.  The garden is open by appointment through June; visit the website for information.

We love to feature talented artists. If you know of other metal workers to add to our list, please tell us in the Comments!