Red Metal

Rachel David is an extremely talented artist and blacksmith. Though she uses modern equipment, she is a true blacksmith in that she tries to do all her work through forging and avoids welding wherever possible. This giver her work a sublime quality of hammer marks, textures, and patinas. She can make beautifully intricate and very organic pieces out of steel, though the look is what most people think of as wrought iron. Rachel made a complex staircase railing consisting of some "ordinary" spindles, and then others which had started to "sprout" branches and leaves, and still others which project out into space in a flurry of vines, tendrils and leaves. There are several impressive newel posts. She also made a section on a landing which we call the tropical garden. It consists of orchids (complete with flowers), staghorn ferns, fiddle head ferns, pitcher plants, calla lilies, and an impressive lady slipper. Currently she is making a fireplace surround and mantelpiece support. She also makes beautiful smaller pieces and furniture. Rachel is extremely professional. We have had a collaboration in which I have expressed my ideas, which she then puts into drawings, which we then review together and make modifications until a final plan is reached. She does very accurate estimating. She is very easy to work with, very conscientious and brilliant. I can't recommend her enough. I'd be happy to speak with anybody contemplating hiring her. Joe Thompson. Drjoeyt@yahoo.com

Rachel is a tremendous artist with great creativity and boldness in her craft. She also presents herself in a respectful, professional manner. I have purchased several items from her as well as a custom piece. Very pleased with item. I will continue to seek her for upcoming projects.

My husband and I have commissioned Rachel David to create 5 pieces of furniture for us; a coffee table in 2009, a console table in 2010 ,a fireplace screen in 2008, a chair in 2011 and what she calls her "African" table in 2012. Rachel is committed to listening to her client and creating a piece that is faithful to what the client wants and also expresses her artistic sensibilities. In all of our dealings with Rachel, she has worked within our budget, and has adhered to delivery dates. We have also bought 3 pieces of sculpture from her and expect to add more to our collection. Check out her website at www.redmetal.net

Rachel has created beautiful pieces that have been integrated into projects for HRI Properties over the last year. Her entrance gates to the Bywater Art Lofts 2 and the Bywater Art Garden are extraordinary. Her creativity, artistry, diligence and professionalism on the project were outstanding. The results are extremely impressive and we are very grateful to have them as welcoming points into these unique spaces. After seeing what Rachel is capable of we commissioned a salvage art sculpture for the lobby of the Hibernia Tower property utilizing historic metal elements from this 1920's iconic bank building. The result is an incredible statement piece that was once again delivered on time, on budget with an obvious passionate personal investment in the work. We highly recommend Red Metal without reservation.

Red produced an innovative design for a custom wine storage system. She fostered a thoughtful approach to the parameters, practical and aesthetic, of the entire project. The resultant creation was expertly installed and is spectacular. We hope we can work with Red Metal on potential projects in the future.