Blog

Expressive Idaho: Forging steel into art | Boise State Public Radio

When you hear the word "blacksmith," you might think of horseshoes and iron fences. Traditional practitioners forged hand tools, kitchenware and jewelry.

Today, industrial forgery is used in things like hardware, automobiles, even spaceships. But it’s also used for landscaping, architecture and art. Blacksmith Susan Madacsi designs large-scale steel sculptures, forging each part at temperatures of around 2,200 degrees, then adding texture with a hammer or other tools. Auto Parts Casting

Expressive Idaho: Forging steel into art | Boise State Public Radio

Colorful and geometric, her contemporary forged artwork hangs in public spaces throughout Idaho and around the world. Arlie Sommer brings us her story as part of the Expressive Idaho series.

The biggest portion of Boise State Public Radio's funding comes from readers like you who value fact-based journalism and trustworthy information.

Expressive Idaho: Forging steel into art | Boise State Public Radio

Custom Precision Investment Casting Your donation today helps make our local reporting free for our entire community.