Today we’d like to introduce you to Ray Ciemny.
Ray, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I started getting into metalwork as a hobby. I took a metal-art class, which was more of a jewelry-making class. The parts were frustratingly small. I was having difficulty working at that small scale. The instructor had a brochure for forging, and I said, “Forging? What’s that?” Turned out that it was blacksmithing. I signed up for the workshop and got hooked. At the time I had a graphics and illustration business. I was continually drawn to the shop. My real love was making work in 3D. As I picked up metalwork clients I became less reliant on illustration work and eventually transitioned entirely into architectural metalwork as my main source of income. An unintended consequence was that I had to replace what was my hobby as it had become work so I took up old-time banjo and now play in a band.
Has it been a smooth road?
It hasn’t always been easy. What I do now is constantly solving problems creatively. The work has to fit and function. There can be a lot of stress associated with that. Along with fitting into a production schedule and delivering as promised. Another challenge was learning to charge enough for the work to be viable as a business. I have friends in business that were a big help in that area.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Artisan Iron – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
Artisan Iron is a boutique metalwork company. We are situated where Art meets Metal. Our skills are unique to for a metalworking business. Less welders than manipulators of metal. I see us as more creative collaborators that bring an artist’s vision stretching what is possible in metal. Most of our work is architectural/landscape related. We specialize in coming up with solutions that complement the design professional’s work and the client will love.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
Boston is so vibrant especially now with all the new building energy. It’s become a city that is an international attraction. People want to visit and for good reason. I love the history associated Boston.
The traffic is a detriment. I have to plan meetings to avoid being stuck in traffic.
Contact Info:
- Address: 54 Fitch Bridge Road, Groton, MA
- Website: artisaniron.com rayciemny.com
- Phone: 978-448-0028
- Email: ray@artisaniron.com
- Instagram: artisaniron
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