The Work of Andy Parent

In my last post, I shared a bit about how other artists influence my work and I introduced the readers to my friend, Andy Parent, as a good example. 

After that post, I received some emails asking to see a finished photo of the King's Chair. So I asked Andy and he finally sent me some images of the finished project. 

Thanks to Andy for sending me the images, I can now share with you some more of his creative works.

Actually, Andy made 2 King's Chairs to go at the end of the pool table. In this image, you can also see the chandeliers that Andy made and the lights on the wall between the chairs. 

Andy also did some fireplace chairs. In this image you can also see several of his other pieces such as the fireplace mantle, bar stools, sconce light, and metal framing for the panes in the cabinetry seen in the background. 

The fireplace chairs have an interesting feature designed into them, the backs fold down to create larger sitting areas when the clients have parties. 

So what I can say is this; to help stimulate your creative thought process, surround yourself with creative people, even if they don't work in the same medium as yourself.

All images in this post are the property of Andy Parent of Iron Ox Inc. and used with his permission. To see more of Andy's work visit IronOxUSA.com

Until next time - Be safe in your own shop!

Your friend in the shop,

Todd A. Clippinger

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Creative Friends & Influences: Andy Parent

One of the greatest things I enjoy as a professional woodworker and remodeling contractor, are the connections that I have with other artisans and craftsmen. By surrounding myself with other artists, it constantly challenges and expands my creative vision. Among those is a good friend and metal working talent, Andy Parent. Andy's unique vision for metal work has greatly influenced my own ideas for design. 

Andy Parent on the King's Throne

Andy's metal working business, Iron Ox Inc, is located just down the street a couple blocks from my own shop. With his shop being so close, we see each other on a pretty regular basis, and the conversations we have are very stimulating as the sparks of creativity fly.

Andy showing a fireplace screen he is manufacturing for a client

I am fortunate to have had the opportunity to collaborate on some projects with Andy, and we often call on each other to hash out design ideas or to gain a different perspective from a fresh set of eyes.

A design session with Andy Parent of Iron Ox Inc.

Andy has a great balance of technical ability for working metal and artistic madness. If you met him personally, within the first few minutes you would understand the artistic madness comment, but this picture of him with Poseidon's Trident might give you a glimpse.

Andy displays Poseidon's Trident made for a charity auction fundraising event.

To get another look at Andy, his nephew has produced this video as part of his college cinematography course. "The Moments We Steel" by Jared West.

Andy has had a positive and energizing effect on myself as an artist and craftsman. You can check out some of his work at his Iron Ox Inc USA site.

To stay energized as an artist, make friends with other artists. It really keeps the mojo flowing.

Your friend in the shop,

Todd A. Clippinger

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Cutting Metal In A Woodshop

As woodworkers we also need to cut metal once in a while. Also, having the ability to cut metal will allow us to create custom handles as I have on past projects. 

The question is how do we get a clean cut? Hacksaw? Reciprocating saw?

Nope - portaband is the answer.

The portaband is a powerful, smooth cutting portable bandsaw and a tool that I recommend for any custom woodworking shop. 

Hope you enjoy!

Your friend in the shop-

Todd A. Clippinger

Share the Love~Share the Knowledge