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Todd Clippinger
85 posts
and
13 followers
in over 10 years
in over 10 years
Creative Friends & Influences: Metal Worker Andy Parent
One of the greatest things I enjoy as a professional woodworker and remodeling contractor, are the connections that I have with other artisans and craftsmen. By surrounding myself with other artists, it constantly challenges and expands my creative vision. Among those is a good friend and metal working talent, Andy Parent. Andy’s unique vision for metal work has greatly influenced my own ideas for design.
That’s Andy sitting on the King’s Throne which is under construction in the photo. (I made the wood components.)
Andy’s metal working business, Iron Ox Inc, is located just down the street a couple blocks from my own shop. With his shop being so close, we see each other on a pretty regular basis, and the conversations we have are very stimulating as the sparks of creativity fly.
I am fortunate to have had the opportunity to collaborate on some projects with Andy, and we often call on each other to hash out design ideas or to gain a different perspective from a fresh set of eyes.
Andy has a great balance of technical ability for working metal and artistic madness. If you met him personally, within the first few minutes you would understand the artistic madness comment, but this picture of him with Poseidon’s Trident might give you a glimpse.
To get another look at Andy, his nephew has produced this video as part of his college cinematography course.
The Moments We Steel from Jared West on Vimeo.
Andy has had a positive and energizing effect on myself as an artist and craftsman. You can check out some of his work at his site Iron Ox USA.
To stay energized as an artist, make friends with other artists. It really keeps the mojo flowing.
Your friend in the shop,
Todd A. Clippinger
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UPDATE
Andy sent me some pictures so you could see the final installation of the King’s Chairs and some fireplace chairs with ottoman. -Thanks Andy!
Images of finished furniture property of Andy Parent of Iron Ox and used with his permission
Todd A. Clippinger Share the Love - Share the Knowledge
8 Comments
Thanks for sharing. (Good to be his friend when he has a trident like that one!)
Rich – Yes…definitely!
Todd A. Clippinger Share the Love - Share the Knowledge
That’s really great. I wish my work wasn’t so production oriented. There are a couple of real craftsmen on my crew that rarely get to express themselves through work, but we have a good time chatting about everything from woodworking to cooking to whatever.
Losing fingers since 1969
I am fortunate that I have had a nice mix of production work such as milling and installing trim packages, as well as custom work. The mix is nice, since it gives a blend of intensive work for the custom projects with a mental break doing mindless production, then back to mental gymnastics for more custom work.
Todd A. Clippinger Share the Love - Share the Knowledge
Hey Todd, Vimeo embeds are now officially supported. Check out your updated entry.
Martin Sojka, Maker of Craftisian
Andy Parent sent images of the finished pieces and so I just added an update to the blog entry for you to see them. Check out the last 3 images to see Andy’s furniture designs complete.
Todd A. Clippinger Share the Love - Share the Knowledge
They look amazing! Thanks for update, Todd.
Martin Sojka, Maker of Craftisian
I run in a good circle of creative people:)
Todd A. Clippinger Share the Love - Share the Knowledge
