ABOUT
Introduction.
My name is Lukasz Juchniewicz.I am the founder of Fire&Wind. I am a self-taught artist, blacksmith and metal sculptor based in Oxfordshire. I specialise in hand forged kinetic artistic metal work, wind powered sculptures and beautiful garden ornaments. My original wind sculptures have been noticed and appreciated by Henley Decor Fair 2022 with Innovation Award and by Visual Art Open 2022 with a Certificate for extremely high standards of quality and creativity.
Tell me about yourself and what got you started
I was born in Poland where my dad has a metal work shop and as young boy I spent a lot of time in it watching him and at the some time learning the basics about metal work, blacksmithing and traditional forging techniques.
In 2005 I moved to England where I joined an architectural salvage and antique business, where as you may imagine I have over the years come across many, many beautiful and inspirational pieces of architectural ornaments.
One day I visited to the Tate Gallery London to see an exhibition of kinetic sculptures by Alexander Calder. Back then I didn't even know what kinetic meant, let alone what it involved, so I didn't know what to expect. I was stunned by the beautiful mobile sculptures just floating in the air. The metal sculptures were made out of metal but looked as light as a feather. I was truly amazed. That was my first experience of kinetic art, that is art that depends on motion for its effect. And I was hooked!
What inspires you?
My inspiration comes mainly from nature.
About Kinetic Sculptures
To complete a piece, one needs a lot of different skills but the main one is Blacksmithing. This is a multi-disciplinary craft based on the traditional core skills of forging, forming, cutting and joining hot metal. Supporting skills such as designing, TIG, MIG welding, fabrication, site fitting, machining and finishing are also used.
What does your work mean to you?
My creations / sculptures give me a lot of pleasure and satisfaction. I enjoy the ongoing challenge. I love learning new things. For me the best way of learning is by making, and this has led me to go from creating small sculptures inspired by nature, to large 18 feet -6meters high complex kinetic wind sculptures.
Each of my pieces are hand forged in metal using traditional techniques. I work in wrought iron, steel, stainless steel, brass and copper, using both traditional forging techniques and modern processes. Beside metal, to experience different texture, I like work with reclaimed timber and plaster of Paris.