Page 12 - HIWT Spring 2013 World of Welding

THE WORLD OF WELDING http://www.welding.org

OF A MOUNTAIN MORNING

(Continued from page 11)

AbOUT THE ARTIST

Catherine Murphy grew up as the youngest of four girls in Haw Creek Forge is a small business with a big reputation
a military family where she had the opportunity to live in for quality, originality and service. At the riverside studio in
many countries. As a young teenager, the family settled in the mountains of North Carolina, a small group of talented
Hendersonville, North Carolina, and she was more interested artisans carefully craft each piece of unique and whimsical art,
in the nature surrounding her than in anything else. continuing the tradition of handcrafted in America. They take
great pride in each piece marked with our HCF studio mark.
While attending Hobart Institute, Catherine concentrated The brilliant patina and torch finishes on each piece are clear
her studies on structural shielded metal arc welding, gas coated for weather fastness and durability.
tungsten arc welding, and Weldability of Metals, Ferrous and
Nonferrous. Catherine’s career as a high rise construction Haw Creek Forge creations are available at fine art galleries,
welder building power plants and paper mills also allowed her quality garden centers and museum stores across the United
to use creative skills in metalworking. States. Visitors are encouraged to visit the studio and see
artists at work. The 5000 square ft. studio is full of interesting
“Attending craft workshops and numerous welding schools, tools for handcrafting the sculptures. The studio is located 10
led me to the beauty of copper,” says Catherine. “I was able to minutes north of Asheville. Visitors are encouraged to call
combine my technical skills and love of metal with my favorite ahead and let them know you are coming to experience their
school project as a child -- creating an insect collection. Many studio, which is open Monday-Friday from 10 until 4 and by
creations later, my inspiration has grown to include all of appointment. Phone: 828-285-9785 or visit the website at
nature, allowing me to find creativity and satisfaction in the http://www.hawcreekforge.com/.
work that has become my life.”

“Through the encouragement of those
around me, I was able to create Haw Creek
Forge in 1992. As the business has grown,
I, too, have grown in my creativity,” Our international
Catherine continues. “I find the creation certifications
of my work fulfilling and joyful.” qualify you to
work worldwide
Using a hammer, a vise, an anvil, and an and year-round.
oxyacetylene torch, Catherine employs Offshore diving
a technique of metalworking whereby opportunities include the
the metal is folded, forged, annealed, inspection, installation,
and unfolded, resulting in dramatic and repair of offshore
oil drilling platforms
three dimensional forms. These highly and pipelines.
texturized, sculpted pieces are then Inland opportunities
combined and joined through welding and include construction,
riveting to create abstract wall hangings repair and inspection
and vessels. of bridges, water towers,
nuclear power facilities and
“I begin with a vision, constantly striving countless other infrastructure.
to reveal the true organic nature of the Our graduates are
copper and to capture the movement of the in high demand.
material and its tactile quality,” Catherine All training is conducted
explains. “My goal is to continue seeking in open water.
new challenges which fulfill a deeper Financial aid
appreciation for a material that keeps me for those who qualify.
grounded and connected.” Use your VA benefits
with us.

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