Heat and pressure are forces of change; they are also the principles that Tolley uses to transform his steel sculptures from flat pieces of reclaimed steel and horseshoes into stunning horse sculptures. Here's what Tolley has to say about his creative process as he is creating a horse sculpture using his blacksmith forge and other equipment.
"I look at what I'm building and I figure out ways to format that piece of steel into a shape that reflects the image in my mind that I intend for my sculpture. To get that shape, I put a piece of steel into my the forge to make it pliable. Then I put that steel piece on the anvil and using the horn or the heel of the anvil I start hammering the metal until the shape I am looking for manifests.
As I am working on the anvil the process between myself and the art becomes a relationship. I'm trying to find an understanding for the piece I'm working on. What I'm creating and how the piece is reacting to the heat and pressure I put upon it is a fluid process. The heat allows the molecules of the steel to have a sense of flow under the pressure of my hammer. As the steel changes I continue working it until it takes the shape that the sculpture demands.
As I'm working I feel that I am searching for a certain peace as I am creating. I am looking for a certain resolution with what I'm building. The excitement about the journey of the piece keeps me creating, especially when the creative process is difficult and the sculpture doesn't seem to be working. When I pass through the moments when the creative process shifts from hardship to free-flowing ease I feel a sense of relief and connection.
Creating sculpture has elements of hardship, joy and excitement. When I finish a sculpture, it takes me to a place of new artistic horizons that lead me to the next piece."
Tolley's new sculpture, titled Half a League Onward is about moving forwards - courage and change.These photos are of the piece when it was being made and then a casual photo of the piece at completion.