I'm Lucas House. My passion with metal began in a high school welding class. I am still amazed at the transformation from raw material that is cold and lifeless to something useful and beautiful. Surrounding ourselves with unique and custom things, help boost the energy in our lives.
IronHouse Forge is an artistic and custom metal studio using any non precious metal to create a wide range of architectural, functional, and sculptural items. Each project is designed, built, and installed with great attention to detail and the specific needs and aesthetics of the clients. We can handle any aspect of a project or collaborate with architects, designers, engineers, and builders. The medium is so vast that new projects can present new challenges and offer the opportunity for continued learning.
WORK EXPERIENCE
Founder and Owner, IronHouse Forge, Raleigh, NC 2006 - Present
IronHouse Forge specializes in designing and building custom metalwork for both residential and commercial clients, with a focus on creating unique custom designs.
Teaching, Penland School of Crafts.
"Design, Build, Forge" First session 2016
Teaching, John C Campbell Folk School.
“Blacksmith outside the box” 2008
“Forging Ideas Into Reality 2009 - 2015
"Tools, Tools, Tools" 2016
Teaching, Central Carolina Community College, Siler City, NC 2004 - 2009
Classes range from blacksmithing basics to more advanced techniques. In class, students work to apply these techniques to a project of their own desgn
Partner, LiquidForge, Raleigh, NC 2004 - 2006
Co-founded LiquidForge as a metalworking company which produced custom-designed metalwork for residential and commercial applications.
Antfarm Studios, Raleigh, NC 2002 - Present
I am currently the longest standing member of Antfarm Studios, an artist co-op. Participation includes the coordination of open studio tours, organizing studio activities, building maintenance, facility management, and leading bi-monthly co-op meetings.
Paul Lundquist Blacksmithing, Celo, NC 1999, 2000, 2001
I spent several summers working with blacksmith Paul Lundquist as an apprentice, during which I studied the tools and techniques of blacksmithing and gained practical experience by assisting with commissioned projects, including several commercial clients.
EXHIBITIONS / ACTIVITIES
“Sculpture Visions” Chapel Hill NC 2012-2013
“Sculpture in the Garden” NC Botanical Garden 2012
“Forged” Juried show Torpedo Factory Art Center 2012
Entry Gates for the Hemlock Bluffs Nature Preserve, Cary, NC 2011
News & Observer, “Blacksmith forges beauty from iron” by Diane Daniel Oct. 20, 2007
North Carolina State Fair, Raleigh, NC. 2007 2008
“Fire on the Mountain” Blacksmithing Festival, Spruce Pine, NC. 2007- 2012
Toe River Arts Council Studio Tour. 2006 - 2013
Boylan Heights Art Walk, Raleigh, NC 2005 - 2013
“30 Something” Show, Toe River Arts Council, Spruce Pine, NC. 2006
NC ABANA Chapter Meeting: host & presenter 2005
“Antfarm: 10 Years”, NCSU Gallery of Art & Design, Raleigh, NC. 2005
PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS
Member, North Carolina ABANA 2006-Present
Advisory board member, Central Carolina Community College, NC 2005-2010
Member, Toe River Arts Council, Spruce Pine, NC. 2004-Present
Member, ABANA (Artist-Blacksmiths’ Association of North America) 2001-Present
Education
North Carolina State University, College of Design
Bachelors of Industrial Design
Graduated Magna Cum Laude 2004
Penland School of Crafts
“Ignite, Reignite” L. Japheth Howard 2012
“Contemporary Iron Expressions” Claudio Bottero 2011
“Non Ferrous” Michael Bondi 2010
“From Mind to Hand” Teachers assistant with Paige Davis 2010
“Sustainable Blacksmithing” Jeffry Funk 2009
“Seeking the Hammer Muse” EA Chase 2005
“Iron and Glass collaboration” Rick Smith 2003
“Experiencing Blacksmithing” Scott Lankton 2002
John C Campbell Folk School
Teaching assistant with Daniel Miller 2008, 2010
“Creative Metalsmithing”
Workshop with Enrique Vega, Apex, NC. 2007