Surface Tension

- by Charlie Spademan

2023 Surface Tension
In Memory of The Honorable Mayor Ellen Dickson

stainless steel and resin

Location: Kaus Way near the intersection of Springfield Avenue and Woodland Avenue

Charlie Spademan’s hand-forged artworks often explore the transformation of structural steel into organic forms. Constructed from stainless steel and cast-resin, this whimsical, mind-bending sculpture titled Surface Tension (or Leda’s Dream) appears to show an anvil balancing on a balloon in an impossible but very convincing manner.

Based in Montclair, Spademan studied sculpture and metal forging at the Cleveland Institute of Art and has worked in a variety of mediums, including metal, plastic, and wood, machine design, electronics, and automation. A trained blacksmith, he creates hand-forged works that contemplate what he calls the “undefined boundary between fine art, craft and design.” He has numerous commissioned works throughout New Jersey and New York and is the co-founder/curator of the Hillside Sculpture Park in Montclair.

“My focus is on creating truly one-of-a-kind pieces, work created with my hands,” says Spademan. "I have supported myself all of my life working with my hands and mind on creative endeavors and feel like the line between art and craft is often pretty blurry. My forged iron railings and doors are a good example—utilitarian, but artwork of a kind.”