Iron Monkeys

The Iron Monkeys

   The Iron Monkeys are a Seattle-based metalworking collective, working under the gentle guidance and watchful eye of Tabasco, owner of Seattle's The Blacksmith Shop. We have a fluid membership, with around a dozen individual artists working on any given piece.

We work together primarily to make large-scale sculptural pieces, often containing functional elements, and work collaboratively to evolve designs as each work is being developed. Our work has been on display temporarily at the Burning Man Arts Festival, Reno Mangrove and Burien Interim Arts Space, and permanently at Rainier Vista's Central Park in South Seattle.

Current projects:

The most update information will always be at:

http://iron-monkeys.blogspot.com/

 

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The Crossroads

Fundamental in all cultures, The Crossroads mark the joining of paths between worlds and
create the liminal intersections that cities are built upon. The Crossroads are the in-between
spaces where ideas and cultures collide, mix and exist for awhile in a state of constant flux.
Coming and going, arriving and simply passing through, individuals cross paths in these
spaces and here they have shared ideas since the dawn of civilization. In the early foundations
of organized cities these intersections became ritualized gathering places that grew into
squares and courtyards, and it was the gravity of these public meeting spaces that spawned
what the first centers of trade, the first public forums, and the first venues for public art. It is also here that a social structure of communitas forms, one based on common humanity and
communicate to equality rather than recognized hierarchy.

What we propose for Metropolis is a courtyard at The Crossroads of the city, where open playa meets civilization. We want to create an intentional place for the citizens of Black Rock City to cross paths and mingle stories. Highlighting the structure of the liminality, The Crossroads will feature a 10' fountain flowing with both water and fire surrounded by a circle of columns, each built with the integrated scroll work indicative of the Iron Monkeys. Inside the circle of columns we intend to create a courtyard with benches and a sculpture gallery – a public place to rest and recharge during the journey from place to place. The Crossroads will flourish the more people who enter the space. For that reason, we envision The Crossroads as close to main roads as possible. The keyholes, specifically the gateway into Center Camp, hold the unique ever-changing atmosphere conducive to a bustling people's square.

The Iron Monkeys have received a Grant from Burning Man for The Crossroads.

2009 B/ IAS

   Burien Interim Arts Space, temporary install of a Tree Spire in Burien. More information at http://www.interim-art-space.com/

(picture to come)

 

2008 Mangrove

   Temporary install of a Tree Spire in Downtown Reno along with trees from 4 other artists. More information at http://www.blackrockarts.org/projects/mangrove

(picture to come)

 

 

2008 Diablo

   A 8' tall fire Cauldron used to hold the ritual fire at the Burningman Festival.

(picture to come)

2008 Rainier Vista

   We installed one of the Tree Spires in the Rainier Vista development. Rainier vista is the most diverse neighbor hood in Seattle and the development is a mix of low income housing, apartments, and condo's making it the perfect breeding ground for a mix community. In the middle of this development is a park which will become the home of one of the Tree Spires.

(picture to come)

 

2007 Tree Spires

   The Tree Spires was the first project under the name Iron Monkeys. We created 4 15' tall trees that were part of the "Man Grove" around the man. They were placed at the 12, 3, 6, and 9 o'clock postions.