The Tool Room – Implements for Living is a fascinating new shop, launching at KAMERS Stellenbosch. Blacksmith, Conrad Hicks, creates unique hand-forged metal work by developing his own methods in his forge at The Bijou, an old Art Deco cinema in Observatory. Using these same techniques, he creates ruggedly aesthetic sculptures, some of which are also to be showcased at Webersburg, 4-9 November.

“Because I am a blacksmith, I am a toolmaker,” says Conrad. “Hence, as an artist I am fascinated by the instinctive relationship that I discover between beauty, form and function and how they are inseparable. I work to discover where that beauty lies. The tools that I make are the ‘creative’ component and the work, a record of the creative thought.”

This idea behind The Tool Room, to create beautifully functional implements that have artistic value, yet are so practical, is evident in each product launching at the show. From knives and axe heads, to pans and mortar & pestles, Conrad crafts each piece without any welding, using only traditional blacksmithing jointing methods.

See him in action in this short film by Brad Schaffer:

The Tool Room’s functionally artistic implements have been featured in quite a few of our KAMERS Summer 2014 product campaign shots, but you need to pick them up and feel the labour that went into creating them at the show.

Also look out for Conrad’s impressive “Implemente” exhibition previously seen at Tokara, lining the pathways as you enter the scenic Webersburg grounds.

Photos: Conrad Hicks, Herman van Wyk, Allain Proust, Adriaan Oosthuizen – supplied. KAMERS Summer 2014: Claudia De Nobrega, styled by Anneke Roux.