Learning Resources
Instructional materials for metal artists in print, e-stories, and video
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FOLDFORMING by Charles Lewton-Brain
The ultimate reference on foldforming from the artist who invented this groundbreaking approach to working with metal. By taking advantage of the inherent qualities of the material, foldforming develops organic forms in metal with minimum effort. Hundreds of sequential photographs demonstrate techniques to make a wide range of forms. Foldforming lends itself to all branches and levels of metalsmithing, from jewelry to blacksmithing, beginners to advanced artists. |
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Instructional Videos
This video was made especially for us by Melissa Muir, jury member 2023-2024. Thank you, Melissa!
These videos by Charles Lewton-Brain are available on the Alberta College of Art + Design's YouTube channel ACADonline. Explore the channel for a treasure trove of arts videos, or click directly to their Jewelry and Metalworking playlist. Also explore Charles Lewton-Brain's personal foldforming playlist that includes many instructional slideshow videos.
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Meet Charles Lewton-Brain, the man who brought us foldforming:
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Heistad Cup Collage
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Videos from Rio Grande and Craftsy
In addition to Rio Grande's paid videos on Craftsy (above) they also offer short introductory videos free on YouTube. Google for more topics! They also worked with Craftsy and Charles Lewton-Brain to develop Professional Foldforming Techniques, available for a charge on Craftsy.
In addition to Rio Grande's paid videos on Craftsy (above) they also offer short introductory videos free on YouTube. Google for more topics! They also worked with Craftsy and Charles Lewton-Brain to develop Professional Foldforming Techniques, available for a charge on Craftsy.
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The Plunkett Fold
Video by Mark Nelson at Rio Grande |
The Heistad Cup
Video by Charles Lewton-Brain |
Professional Foldforming Techniques
Charles Lewton-Brain teaches foldforming; available for purchase on Craftsy. |
Brain Press
Charles Lewton-Brain provides a wealth of information about foldforming and additional topics for metal artists. Take a deep dive into any topic that interests you. Here are some links to get you started.
Lewton-Brain ArticlesTricks in the studio, construction methods, stone setting, photography, safety, and so much more.
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Overview of FoldformingBegin with an overview of fold types; follow links to illustrated, step-by-step tutorials and discussion of tools.
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e-Stories and Handouts
Large Scale Foldforming with Linda Leviton
Story by Sue Lacy
Story by Sue Lacy
Linda Leviton, Lewis Center, OH, U.S., stands with her sculpture made with "Scoring and Bending" technique
In June 2015, the Cultural Arts Center in Columbus, OH hosted a four-day workshop on Large Scale Foldforming. The instructor was Linda Leviton, a talented artist who creates commissioned metal installations for spaces like corporate atriums, hospitals, and universities.
Follow these links for plenty of video from her Large Scale Foldforming workshop and practical tips on topics like "scoring and bending," painting on metal, modifying your shears, brazing components together, creating templates and more.
Story: Part One
Story: Part Two
What does Linda know about foldforming? In 2015, she submitted three foldformed pieces to the international Lewton-Brain Foldform Competition
...and all three were recognized. See the results here.
The following infographics may be helpful for artists and art classrooms.
