Joseph L. Brandom has been working with metals since 1970. He received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Silversmithing and Jewelry at Indiana State University in 1975, and a Master of Fine Arts Degree in Metalsmithing at the University of Georgia. He now lives in Boca Raton, Florida where he works and teaches in his own studio.
Joseph worked primarily in silver and stainless steel until 1986. He then discovered the magic of pewter and began developing new ideas and techniques for the creation of his pewter vessels and sculptures.
Many of Brandom's pewter vessels are executed by hand using hammers and steel forming stakes. The hollow forms start as a flat sheet of pewter that is hammered into shape using sinking and raising techniques. The textured surfaces are created using special hammers that he has made by carving a pattern into the face of the hammer. When the metal is struck over a steel stake the impression of the carved hammer face is left on the surface of the pewter. This is done during the planishing phase, which at the same time smoothes all unwanted surface irregularities. Different textures are achieved using the same hammer by controlling where and how the hammers strikes.
After the vessels are formed and planished, they are finished by hand using sand paper, steel wool, steel brushes and polish.
Some of Joseph's vessels, bowls and sculptures are created using a slush casting technique that he has been developing since the beginning of 1990. Pouring the meal a few ounces at a time at different temperatures enables him to control surface textures and to build layers as wanted. It takes eight to twelve hours to cast a full sized torso. Fabrication and finish work take two to three weeks. The pewter that Brandom uses is an alloy of 92% tin, 6% antimony and 2% copper. It does not tarnish like silver, so does not need to be polished frequently. Fingerprints, dirt and pollutants from the air will discolor the metal. Cleaning with a soft cloth and Windex will usually remedy this. If the metal is badly stainded, use Brasso to restore the finish. Some collectors like the soft tones that metal turns when handled frequently, so feel free to touch.
Joseph is still working in silver, copper, steel and other metals. He started teaching again in 2004 and is enjoying sharing his over 39 years of experience with others.