Todd Campbell sometimes makes things harder for himself than they really need to be. Motivated by the pursuit of perfection, his beautiful contemporary metalwork and sculpture pieces are the rewarding outcome of hard work, precision and efficiency.

Campbell first discovered his love for metalwork through a class at Austin Community College. Earning a BA in Art (with a concentration in Sculpture) from The University of Texas at Austin, he later completed an artist/blacksmith apprenticeship with Joe Pehoski in Salado, TX. He teaches Art Metals at Austin Community College and spends time in his studio in Austin, TX.

In another life, Campbell would be a professional rock climber or chef, but he wouldn't give up his family for the world. He enjoys cooking, especially his homemade spaghetti and meatballs.

 

Todd's Artist's Statement


In my work I deal with the intersection between the organic natural world and industrial materials, thinking about how objects are manufactured and exist in this postmodern age. In creating sculptural installations I begin by amassing pieces of metal that I have forged into a shape.

I investigate the idea of mass production in metalwork by taking one standard stock size of metal and transforming it in one or more steps of cutting or forging in a direct, repetitive action. By using fire and force, I allow the metal to return to the organic quality of the ore. I am careful not to overwork a single part, but utilize the malleability of the material.

I question the ideas of craft, production and conceptual artwork by creating simple forms that require an excess of hand labor and a critical eye to arrange. I love the idea of work and the process of converting energy into a shape.

One singular shape used repeatedly evolves into a system, similar to organic or biological patterns. The arrangements allude to natural forms like fungus, hair or plants. The patterns and configurations shift between the micro and macro scale.

Some sets of forged and welded shapes are powder coated, adding to the use of industrialized materials and coatings. The bright colors change the perception of steel as a craft material into a sculptural one, and distinctly affect the way the pieces are read. Some of these works are hollow forms that sit on the floor or hang. Some are wall mounted iterations of shapes and patterns.