Larry Wisniewski

Biography:
Even though I have no official art training, I am from a family with a long line of blacksmiths. My father was a blacksmith from Poland who carried his trade with him to Venezuela in 1945 where he became a noted blacksmith in the town of La Victoria making wrought iron gates and fences throughout the town.

In the mid 70’s, I learned the art of blacksmithing from my father one summer when he was commissioned to make metal benches for the SeaScape Hotel in Ocean City, Md. Even though I knew how to weld from previous jobs, it was during this time when I assisted him that I learned how to fabricate and bend metal.  

Over the years, I have been commissioned to make a metal bench for the front courtyard at Berlin Intermediate School as well as the arch for the entrance at Buckingham Cemetery on South Main Street in Berlin. In addition I have been commissioned by individuals to make table lamps, wrought iron end tables, wall sculptures, coat racks, terrace flower stands, yard art utilizing recycled metal gardening tools, and 3D flower pots with a variety of metal flowers for their homes.  

Most recently I have explored metal enameling on copper and metal when making brooches.  

It is rewarding to see what started out as a hobby in my shop, in an effort to keep the family blacksmithing tradition alive, has enabled me to create unique pieces for the enjoyment of others.