What's on the bench

[@stantonray52]

Your generosity is overwhelming. If you had only made a video showing the beautiful signature on the reverse side, it would have been instructive. Thank you, Mr Hallam

[@jmiddlefinger]

What beautiful craftsmanship! I really enjoyed your description of the processes, particularly with regard to the feeling under chisel of the wrought iron.

[@lulupan7612]

Enchanting work, a truly marvelous masterpiece 😍😍😍 I also did really enjoy the description you have dedicated initially to the structure/detail of the material itself. As a scrap metal artist I have always been fascinated by the different grain and surface detail apparent in really aged steel, as I feel it bears the charme of passing time in its own subtle right.

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

Stunning work, absolutely mind blowing Ford.

[@FordHallam]

Glad you like it! Thanks

[@JaapGrootveld]

I enjoy looking at your work and your explanations testify to the sensitivity with which you create the piece. The work is like the reflection of the celestial leagues in a motionless pond, Inspired by the love of the ancestors, which we let work through us. May we become so clean that we dissolve in the formless, so that form is freely created by our effortless effort. Tanks for scharing.

[@emmawelsh5336]

I particularly like the little whiskers. That level of attention to detail is incredible.

[@hughmarlowe2176]

Wonderful rabbit.

[@HeARTwood-DIY]

This is an amazing piece of art!

[@magnusnordstrom9594]

Lovely rabbit, astonishing work!

[@MP_pov]

Absolutely amazing, the three dimensionality of the rabbit and the almost sinister moon, thank you for sharing your work.

[@emmawelsh5336]

This is fascinating. Thank you Ford. It's an honour to be able to hear your considerations for this piece. I find it very thought provoking for when I'm making my jewellery. Many thanks. I hope you're well.

[@cosmasindico]

Absolutely masterful. Thank you for sharing.

[@user-rf7kc4ev6t]

I wonder if it takes a bit of this, "under endowment" of humility, to reach mastery? I am only sad to be too aged to begin again. But next time I would have a bit more of said quality added to the mix and, perhaps, transcend what was craft to art. To understand metal at this level is truly rare and something to reach for. I hope your students appreciate you as much as this old man.

[@stantonray52]

Such a generous and thoughtful explanation. A pleasure to behold. Thank you. 🦬

[@FordHallam]

Glad it was helpful!

[@silverestore]

The sculpting and precision are breathtaking, Ford!

[@donovansweet9566]

Masterful as always, Ford. The subtleties in your compositions and carving are quite inspirational. And while I've come to almost expect this level of work from you, it never ceases to amaze and delight.

[@albertrasch4793]

The detail of your conversation with us... exquisite. Thank you sir.

[@TheSabre9901]

marvelous

[@jasonhitchon69]

Absolutely stunning love it.

[@baalbaalzebab5657]

very nice work, the rabbit, of course but specially the silver moon very "wabi sabi"

[@charliebowen5071]

Was the composition yours originally?

[@P-Mouse]

In the black furrow of a field I saw an old witch-hare this night; And she cocked a lissome ear, And she eyed the moon so bright, And she nibbled of the green; And I whispered "Wh-s-st! witch-hare," Away like a ghostie o’er the field She fled, and left the moonlight there. W. De la Mare

[@ians1464]

I've always wonder if there's been any Japanese recognition from anyone that does these types of pieces. Because just looking at it it's obvious the amount of skill that it would take to make that and anyone with an artistic eye would notice the detail but the subject matter is very personally cultural. I would imagine they would not easily give praise to an outsider doing something so specifically Japanese. I'm just curious if there's been acknowledgement I think you're being very respectful and true to the Japanese way.

[@charliebowen5071]

Ian s interesting point... I agree. I think the very Japanese subject matter would raise extra suspicions and questions to Hallam that a Japanese craftsman would not have to answer....

[@FordHallam]

Well I suppose the Japanese Sword establishment in Japan have recognised my work as being acceptable because they've awarded me a number of gold, and higher prizes, in the annual Swordmaking competitions over the years. A number of my students have also now won gold, silver and bronze prizes.

[@leoszes]

so its slightly convex? I really like the modesty of this piece, there is not a hundred things at once to look at, everything lies in the eye. I prefer this over a tsuba that has too much going on in it.

[@JustMakinProgress]

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