What are the fire-forming techniques used to shape wrought iron into fluid animal forms?

Shaping wrought iron into fluid animal forms requires a combination of traditional blacksmithing skills and specialized fire-forming techniques. The process begins with heating the wrought iron to a malleable state, allowing the metal to be bent and twisted into organic shapes. Key techniques include:

1. Forge Welding: Joining pieces of iron by heating them to a high temperature and hammering them together, creating seamless transitions in the sculpture.

2. Drawing Out: Lengthening and thinning the metal by hammering it while hot, ideal for creating flowing tails or limbs.

3. Upsetting: Thickening sections of the iron by compressing it, useful for adding weight to features like heads or torsos.

4. Twisting: Rotating sections of hot iron to create spirals or textured patterns, often used for manes or feathers.

5. Chasing and Repoussé: Refining details by hammering the surface to add texture and depth, bringing the animal forms to life.

These techniques, combined with artistic vision, transform rigid wrought iron into dynamic, lifelike sculptures. Mastery of fire-forming ensures the metal retains strength while achieving graceful, fluid forms.