When metal artists see Jon Seeman's process building steel sculptures, they usually shake their heads and say, "But you can't do that!" Jon's work defies the laws of the steel sculpture art world--with stunning results.
Originally immersed in crafting art furniture, Jon enjoyed the challenge of suspending forms but soon found that wood was too limiting. He then began to use steel because it had the kind of flexibility his forms demanded. Jon now focuses completely on steel sculpting and even sold most of his woodworking equipment as incentive! Jon has taken the same techniques and principles from crafting art furniture and has applied it to steel sculpture. Because of this, some of his process is self-invented.
Jon begins his process with a sketch. He then cuts and forms each piece of steel to precise measurements and grinds the fine edges. To keep his work lightweight (it ranges from 100 to 200 pounds), Jon leaves heavier forms open and puts in cross struts to reinforce the forms before closing them up--a step he invented. His two assistants lift the pieces into position for him to tack-weld (weld enough to hold safely, temporarily) in place. Chain hoists are used for heavier forms.
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