Examples in Metal

The phrase “heavy metal” refers to a genre of music, but also all of the art done in steel, bronze, iron and even less-common materials such as titanium and aluminum. Some of the works start as clay before going through the lost-wax bronze casting process, while others are cut via a CNC machine, plasma cutter or good old-fashioned hand tools.

Greyshoes (Upton Ethelbah Jr.) (Santa Clara Pueblo/White Mountain Apache) Known for his strong forms and simplified figures, Greyshoes works in both stone and bronze, although many recent pieces have been made for bronze. For his metal works, Greyshoes doesn’t work in clay, but rather he carves the work in stone. From there, a mold is made and then the normal bronze casting process is started. The award-winning artist is a regular at many of the popular shows in the country, where he has won top awards and ribbons. www.greyshoes.com

Sean Rising Sun Flanagan (Taos Pueblo) Intricate silhouettes, detailed cutouts and exceptional animal forms are some of the hallmarks of the work of Sean Rising Sun Flanagan. “I draw inspiration from the traditional images of my Native roots which have been passed down for numerous generations,” he says. “My stylized sculptures and design motifs are contemporary in nature, and are integrated with form and color that result in a strong and vibrant balance that has been described as geometrical and organic at the same time.” His works range from 3 feet to 15 feet. They are powder-coated with UV- and water-resistant paint, and are designed to withstand the elements. www.risingsunflanagan.com

Ahnesah Jo Clark (Navajo (Diné)) A regular at many of the big art markets, including the most recent Santa Fe Indian Market, Ahnesah Jo Clark’s works are often large statement pieces that speak of the natural world, including wildlife figures. The fabricated metal pieces frequently have a distressed finish that give the scultpures a historic feel and presence.

Mark Fischer (Oneida Nation) Mark Fischer’s works tend to have many textures and finishes, which gives them a contemporary edge. He also exaggerates the forms and poses of his subjects, creating an otherworldly and unique feel to his metalwork. “My artistic goal is to share my mother’s Native American culture, stories, and love of nature symbolically through art, while enlightening and inspiring a large audience,” Fischer says. “Since childhood, making sculptures in a variety of materials has always given me joy and an inner peace.” www.turtleclanart.com