Marty Hicks

marty@hixwerx.com

http://hixwerx.com/

651.492.0899

Artist statement:

I am consumed with working metal. From decorative metal work to architectural-scaled public art, metalsmithing is my life. This work ranges from welding, to artist blacksmithing and bronze casting.  My passion for metalsmithing is derived from organic materials found in the earth: iron, copper, silver, and bronze, and then working them by hand and fire to reveal a myriad of forms, textures and colors.

My training is in fine arts and sculpture with an early career in computer graphics and animation. I received a B.F.A from Drake University and an M.F.A. from the University of Minnesota. I have been on the path of metal work since high school, and received my first commission in college from a local businessman to design, build, and install a large outdoor sculpture.

Sculpting introduced me to a variety of materials and techniques that allow me to model, cut, bend, hammer, weld, and otherwise move the material and change its shape. The outcome includes fine art, decorative utilitarian objects, furniture, jewelry, and large outdoor public art installations.

There is something primal at the core of this work that grows into something elegant and beautiful. My goal is to find myself in the "dance" with the tools and materials, which results in an object people appreciate and enjoy. It's a never-ending process to go deeper, learn more, and get better.

I can be found living and working in my studio near the confluence of the Mississippi and Minnesota Rivers in Saint Paul, Minnesota, with my wife, Kelly and my golden retriever, Sadie.