Daniel redefines our understanding of what it means to be an artist who works with iron.
With a background firmly rooted in blacksmithing - where hammer strikes iron sparking unparalleled satisfaction – Daniel’s art speaks to the imagination. His passion for metal-working was ignited by an apprenticeship close to home, at Ratho Byres Forge, a staple employer of the young lads of Midlothian and Edinburgh. Here Freyne perfected basic skills in blacksmithery through tradework. However, developmental projects introduced him to large-scale public artwork and artistic blacksmithing.
After a little over five years in the apprenticeship, Daniel aspired to develop further skills and enrolled post-apprenticeship as a journeyman, an uncommon position deep-rooted in traditional craft. This decision opened the door to adventure where, in exchange for bed and board, he worked throughout France, the Ukraine and Italy, recommended by word of mouth connections. During his time wandering spaces, he began to study books, and wonder furthering his artistic interpretations. Nearing the end of his time as a journeyman while in Belgium, Daniel met the man who would become his professor at University.
Inspired by travel and the development of his own philosophy and craft, Daniel began studying in higher education, reading Metal Art at the University of Gothenburg, Sweden. During this time he challenge traditional notions and methods of blacksmithing, developing his unique style and practice of thought. His artistic flair began to flourish.
Daniel continues to create in ways which contrast his roots knowing that he knows better. This deconstructive practice makes space for well-formed and curious art, paying homage to his tradition whilst innovating. Allow Daniel to redefine your understanding of iron with his collections available here.
The Process
Daniels' process for his “Tranquillity” collection is similar to the production of Damascus steel, but deliberately fire-welded at a lower temperature to embrace the cracks that are normally seen as being ‘flaws’. Daniel begins with a plethora of thin sheets of material that are stacked and heated in a propane-fuelled furnace, warmed up to 1000 degrees Celsius to facilitate the fusion of carbon atoms. For his “Perspective” collection, traditional armoury techniques are applied to hand forge the material into its archetypal ceramic form, using wooden moulds. Following this process, the sheet is then raised to create the overall form. Depending on the piece, controlled rusting is encouraged, or discouraged with the application of a layer of specialised wax.
The Process
All Products
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