Spirit of Iron

Part of a collection of three works celebrating the life of acclaimed Charleston, South Carolina blacksmith, Philip Simmons for the exhibition, “FORGED.”

This intimate portrait is painted exclusively with rusted iron oxide paint with detailing and highlights carved directly into the wood surface. It is mounted over a rust and copper gilded nimbus featuring Simmons’ own wrought iron design. In between, strings of ornate wood and metal beads hang as if offerings that were accumulated over years of dedication. Select wooden beads are dyed green and hand-carved with palm fronds as a nod to Ogun, the West African deity of metalworking.

2026

Iron oxide paint and copper leaf on wood with beaded elements

15 × 18

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PRIVATE COLLECTION