Wayne Wagstaff
A qualified Blacksmith by trade, Wayne forges each piece by hand and then assembles it for that personal touch. Wayne can be found operating out his workshop or on most Sundays, from the Blacksmith’s Shed at The Australiana Pioneer Village at Wilberforce NSW. Many of the pieces incorporate natural hardwoods taking advantage of their Australian grown beauty. By combining the raw coldness of hand forged steel with the warmth of native timber, these items are both subtle, yet bold in their presence. Using the time honoured blacksmithing practices of old, each piece represents the effort of hand forging hot steel into forms of useful art items.
Blacksmithing is a tradition of passing down abilities and also of looking forward for new ideas, some modern practices can be incorporated into our products for the Art’s sake, this is the only time you may see a modern twist to Wayne art. Art By Degrees range of work varies from small souvenirs through to large purposeful household and building items. Art By Degrees make a range of products for general sale and we can produce your ideas or custom design.
Medium Description
Ferrous Metals – standard steels through to high carbon and alloy steels. Non Ferrous Metals – copper, brass and other metals. Non Metals – hardwood pieces either naturally shaped or cut and carved.
Some of My Work is Featured Below.
Wayne Wagstaff
Either Blacksmith or customer inspired, I enjoy creating a hand crafted product that will provide both form and function.
It is my aim to continue explore new ideas in this field of blacksmithing and creating products that would not normally be considered a part of the traditional craft. In addition, I would like to pass on the knowledge I have gained about this old age craft so that future generations will be able to produce forged pieces made exclusively by hand in the age old tradition of the master blacksmith..
By regularly meeting with other blacksmiths and sharing our knowledge, we are able to discuss ideas which lead to the manufacture of unique pieces of hand crafted metalwork. The Arcadian Artists Exhibition and Art Trail is a wonderful opportunity to encourage visitors to understand the skills and techniques involved in this traditional craft. ,
Blacksmithing is a hard, tough and dangerous skill to learn. It tests your metal, it tests your abilities and it tests your resolve to continue forging on.
We also provide to those chosen few, a chance to experience the Blacksmithing experience, and why only to a few, because Blacksmithing is a hard, tough, and dangerous skill to learn. It tests your metal, it tests your abilities and it tests your resolve to continue forging on. We can provide a basis for your experience so you can come away with a small glimpse of a Blacksmith’s existence.
Some of my highlights
Either Blacksmith or customer inspired, I enjoy creating a hand crafted product that will be both functional and aesthetic.
By regularly meeting with other blacksmiths and sharing our knowledge, we are able to bounce ideas off each other which lead to the manufacture of unique pieces of hand crafted metalwork. The Arcadian Artists Exhibition and Art Trail is a wonderful opportunity to encourage visitors to understand the skills and techniques involved in this traditional craft. ,
Our direction will be to engage in ideas that would not normally be considered and to pass on the knowledge gained through learning and understanding of the craft.
By coming together with other Blacksmiths and sharing our knowledge, we are able to provide unique pieces of hand crafted metalwork, and to those having an interest, some knowledge of the skills involved.
- Artworks
- General Items
- Religious Items & Grave Markers
- Limited Edge Ware
- Hand Tools
- Horse Drawn Vehicle Work
- Gates – Main & Side
- Balustrades
- Furniture – Indoor & Outdoor
- Garden Wares
- Gifts & Trophies
- Special Design / Purpose
Generally, ironwork was create to fulfill a few purposes, such as, primarily function then form.
The ironwork created a statement for the owners and conveyed to the general populace their status.
The same still applies today as it did when ironwork ruled the time before mass produced, alloy cast, cheap reproductions.
Art by Degrees° can recreate once again the solid long standing statement of individuality!
In co-operation, we can bring to life a piece of art with both form, and function.
