Master Metal Artist Sets Up Shop In Godfrey

Mar 07, 2013

Stefan Duerst is living the dream. The artist, who hails from Munich, Germany, moved to the Godfrey area in the winter of 2011 and a relatively new sign on Road 38 at Godfrey is fast spreading the word that there is a talented new metal sculptor in town. Duerst studied his art in Munich both in art school, as an apprentice and as a master tradesman and he set up a shop there before moving to Canada in 2002. He settled first in Kingston in 2003 and established Duerst Custom Metal Work, which he operated for eight years. In 2011 he closed the Kingston shop shortly after moving with his family to a century farm near Godfrey, where he built himself a brand new shop on the property.

Judging by the shop alone it is easy to tell that Duerst is a skilled master. The 1800 square foot quonset building has a sliding garage door that enables him to easily move his large sculptures. It houses multiple pieces of machinery - one weighing over a tonne; four gas-fired forges; one large coal-fired forge; plus numerous presses, anvils, drills, and power hammers. Most impressive though is the large, free-standing rack on which hang close to 100 medieval-looking, hand-made hammers and tongs, tools that he says are “invaluable” and which he inherited when the master blacksmith he apprenticed under in Munich retired.

Judging from the numerous pieces in his shop it looks as though business is booming for Stefan. His work consists mainly of fine art metal sculptures, though as an apprentice he also made functional metal pieces - fences, railings, furniture and lighting fixtures.

“Looking back,” he said, “I have really come full circle and have moved back to sculpture and fine art, which is what originally attracted me to the material in the first place. Art is really where my heart is and it is through art that I feel that I can best express my thoughts and feelings.”

Duerst's art comes in many shapes and forms. Public Totem #3 stands 10 feet high and was made from forged steel. It was constructed from 16 pieces of 5/8 inch straight square bar of varying lengths, which he forged, then manipulated and bent. Each rod stands vertically and originates from one single circular metal base. The sculpture is finished with a wire brush to give added texture and Duerst will next oil it to highlight the shimmering colored effects.

Photo: Bubbling Spring #6; 8"x 20"x 48"; forged angle iron and c-channel; surface oiled; photo courtesy of Stefan Duerst

Duerst likes to work “in series”, as witnessed by a number of similar pieces from his Bubbling Spring Series, which was inspired by Jin Shin Do, of which Duerst is a student. Jin Shin Do is an ancient Chinese acupressure system based on the five Chinese elements. One piece from the series is comprised of 1.5 inch pieces of angle iron that were forged and then free formed into separate organic ribbons, which were then welded together to make a single wave-like band reminiscent of flowing water. The piece is designed to hang vertically on the wall.

Other smaller free-standing sculptures are designed to sit on table tops or plinths. One of these, also from the Bubbling Spring Series, was made from four separate pieces of round bar that were forged and then free formed into a single flowing piece that looks musical in its fluidity - not a quality that you would naturally associate with large, thick pieces of metal. Asked about the process, Duerst said that he chooses not to work from sketches but rather likes to work intuitively with the material.

Duerst creates the majority of his fine art pieces on spec and sells much of his work at his home, which not only boasts an outdoor sculpture garden but also a indoor gallery in a former barn behind the shop. His work is also available at LA PAI gallery in Ottawa and the Wellington Street Art Gallery in Toronto. Duerst invites custom work as well and currently is working on a custom public art piece for Bridgepoint Health Centre, a brand new facility in Toronto.

For those wanting to experience blacksmithing for themselves, Duerst is offering classes for both beginner and experienced metal workers at his shop, which can easily accommodate four students at four individual work stations. The next two-day course is March 16/17 and spaces are still available. Students will learn how to twist, bend, pierce steel, how to forge a leaf, and will be invited to make their own self-directed project.

Stefan is planning an Open House in the early spring. For those who cannot wait - you can make an appointment to meet the artist and view his work by calling 613-329-8096, or visit his studio by chance at 79 Buck Bay Road. For more information visit his website, duerst.ca

Currently Verb Gallery in Kingston is exhibiting a solo show of Duerst's work that will run until March 9.