ANDREAS SANTIS

My name is Andreas Santis. For the past four years, I have concentrated on the manipulation of steel with fire; a procedure otherwise known throughout history as blacksmithing. Having graduated with a BA Fine Arts degree from a branch of UWE Bristol, I furthered my knowledge in metalworking, by undertaking additional courses in the UK and Ireland. It was in my interest to explore metallurgy and discover the opportunities it offers as a medium in the world of art-making. In my recent works, I have forged steel to create sculptures while combining wax, wood, and metal – all sharing the element of fire. My initial idea for using steel as a medium was to unmask the unlimited possibilities through which creativity can be explored in sculpture making; an endless process that inspires me to continue my work and examine multiple approaches to metallurgy. Further to his sculpture exhibitions, he has extended his knowledge on the ancient blacksmithing technique, by expanding the craft into other sectors. These sectors include the renovation and decoration of old historical buildings across the island, using traditional ironwork.Inspiration is derived from the difficulties one faces throughout his life and how he perceives them. Everything is based on perception, which in turn is biased by the events that took place in his/her earlier life. Hense art making arrives as a tool in the centre of this process to provide a space or medium (in this case metallurgy) where the past can be reviewed in conjunction with the present so that the artist is able to experiment with his inner world and learn or gain a new perspective on the matters that define or limit his/her experiences. In this light, I have chosen steel as the main material of my work which allows the timeless safeguarding of each lesson or experience I acquire while having the strength and maneuverability to express any line or curve desired by the artistic mind. This can clearly be seen in practice where the steel is heated from zero to one thousand five hundred degrees Celcius in the forge.Common subject matter for my works of art includes the perception of sexuality of both genders as well as the symbolism of character traits which can be represented in a sculpture. Many examples can be seen on my website www.andreassantis.com.