Manfred Zbrzezny

Since I was trained as an artistic blacksmith and furthermore my master was a coppersmith I work with steel and copper , mainly with traditional techniques. The collaboration with artists was important for my understanding of creativity. Working in Italy, Germany and Liberia surely broadened my view on culture

Q&A

Artist Statement

My main theme is to create pieces done with mainly traditional techniques of blacksmithing and coppersmithing in a contemporary context. My preferences are themes from nature ( flowers, animals ) and somehow archaic shapes.

What craft do you work with?

Metal Working

What inspires you to work with this craft?

Since I worked for 15 years on weapon conversion ( arms into art – Liberian style ) I learned a lot about the potential of transformation. An example how suffering can be transformed into joy

How do you start your creative process?

Something , such as guns used in a civil war , with a terrible history that became useless with creativity can become something useful and beautiful.

What professional dream do you have?

A very emotional work that changed and deepened many of my views. I believe in the potential of arts and craft to enrich peoples life , be it as a beautiful piece or by involving customers in the creative process or in workshops. In this sense it is a counterpoint to an anonymous and standardized society. The joy of creating is a gift that I love to share.