​Mark Gilsdorf​ artist-blacksmith

firmitas - utilitas - venustas

 

My name is Mark Gilsdorf and I am an artist-blacksmith. The above phrases are known as the "Vitruvian triad," after the Roman architect Marcus Vitruvius. These three words in Latin translate as "solid-useful-beautiful." They also serve as guide posts for the creative work I do.

 

I caught the "metal bug" in 2007 in a metal sculpture class at the Art Academy of Cincinnati. Since then my obessesion with transforming iron into lively, useful artwork has only deepened. In 2013 I started taking on more commission work and wandering down the path of working fulltime as an Artist-Blacksmith.