About R&R...
I have always had a great need for being creative. Some art form was always present in my life as an artistic outlet. Since I can remember, I loved to draw, paint and work with my hands, and worked in the creative field as graphic designer, sign writer and portrait artist. I love variety in disciplines and with the encouragement of creative and practical parents, family and friends, have developed a variety of creative skills, enabling my projects to range from woodwork and upholstery to evening wear and even a wedding dress!
Rust and Roses was born when, after being unable to find some really unique furniture, I decided to try and make it myself. A friend taught me some welding basics and gave me a hard-core little Tonka welding machine, and soon metalwork became my favourite medium, and a thriving business.
It never ceases to amaze me how the most beautiful curls and products can come from rather unattractive lengths of steel! The possibilities are seemingly endless, and serves as a hugely inspiring force to me. I get really excited about new concepts and unique ideas. My designs develop very organically, and my style is always evolving. Starting blacksmithing a few years ago brought me into a completely new creative dimension, with similarities to sculpting. So much potential is opened up when the metal is heated to a glowing red! The work takes longer to complete, but the forged touch gives it an unequalled uniqueness. It is tough, heavy and dirty process, but hugely rewarding!
Most of my metalwork time is spent designing and working on commissions, making decorative steel articles of various kinds and applications for new and renovating residences, decor shops and also recently a beautiful South-African wine estate. My work takes me to interesting and unexpected places and gives a great deal of satisfaction to the artist as well as the traveller in me. I have done work for clients all over the Western Cape in South Africa, as well as Gauteng and Natal. I recently moved to Canberra, Australia, from where I will continue my creative adventures.
Please also visit my fine art webpage, http://antoinettekarstenart.weebly.com
Rust and Roses was born when, after being unable to find some really unique furniture, I decided to try and make it myself. A friend taught me some welding basics and gave me a hard-core little Tonka welding machine, and soon metalwork became my favourite medium, and a thriving business.
It never ceases to amaze me how the most beautiful curls and products can come from rather unattractive lengths of steel! The possibilities are seemingly endless, and serves as a hugely inspiring force to me. I get really excited about new concepts and unique ideas. My designs develop very organically, and my style is always evolving. Starting blacksmithing a few years ago brought me into a completely new creative dimension, with similarities to sculpting. So much potential is opened up when the metal is heated to a glowing red! The work takes longer to complete, but the forged touch gives it an unequalled uniqueness. It is tough, heavy and dirty process, but hugely rewarding!
Most of my metalwork time is spent designing and working on commissions, making decorative steel articles of various kinds and applications for new and renovating residences, decor shops and also recently a beautiful South-African wine estate. My work takes me to interesting and unexpected places and gives a great deal of satisfaction to the artist as well as the traveller in me. I have done work for clients all over the Western Cape in South Africa, as well as Gauteng and Natal. I recently moved to Canberra, Australia, from where I will continue my creative adventures.
Please also visit my fine art webpage, http://antoinettekarstenart.weebly.com
Rust&Roses
does not mass-produce, but feels strongly about
creative expression,
individualism and
having fun!
If you need something special to bring a focal point to your garden or add a unique touch to your home,
creative expression,
individualism and
having fun!
If you need something special to bring a focal point to your garden or add a unique touch to your home,
R&R
would love to help!