Erick Forsyth

Native of Mobile, Alabama.  Studied at the University of Alabama and Southern Illinois at Carbondale. Before finding my way to the Studio I spent time as an Amateur Boxer, Classic Soul Radio Host, social organizer, traveling, and working various odd jobs.  My experiences have pushed me toward a fundamental interest in language and its manifestations in identity.  While my work in metal arts and photography were originally a means toward non-abstraction-- a counter to what consumed me in my writing-- they have largely become fused in what I hope to be creative forays into expressing the complexity and fluidity of "the self" and its history.  

Admittedly, this contains some of the sort of bullshitty pretense with which philosophers, critics, artists often speak.  I'm as guilty as those at whom I chuckle, but whether it's downhome straight talk from the street, pedantic posturing in academia, or the self consumed jargon in art galleries, it's all part phony, part real.  Perhaps there is nothing fully authentic, truths only provisional.  The best one can strive for is sincere expression of experience with an earnest critique of that "experience".   Whether in the medium of wet plate image, steel, or ideas in the form of writing or video, I started The Three Graces Studio in the attempt to do just this. 

For me, it's as motivated by a need to seek insights and understandings as to get over lost loves and creative shortcomings.  Non-equivocation is difficult.  Freud was said to have commented that Nietzsche "Had more penetrating knowledge of himself than any man who lived or was likely to live"-- a difficult task in his own time to be sure, perhaps even more so today.  As Thomas Wolfe writes, "Which of us has known his brother? Which of us has looked into his father's heart?  Which of us has not remained forever prison-pent?  Which of us is not forever a stranger and alone?" --

To this I offer a Raison d'Etre:  Prison-Pent through biology, time, language, and the myriad social forces that imbed themselves deep within us, there are pathways that wrest us of binds, loosen shackles.  We must find them in any form. 

 Current Contributors:

 Katie Hudson

 (bio and photo forthcoming) Art History and Studio Art graduate from the illustrious Sewanee (“University of the South” she often reminds me), Katie is our resident Pepper Potts with art skills of her own. She’s ushered us into clay sculpting and casting, is a noteworthy baker, and overall manager. When not offering her talents to the studio she works a full time job in Tuscaloosa and pampers her oddly named cat.

NOAH DUFFY

Kierkegaard was said to have wanted simply “That Individual” on his tombstone. I feel inclined to say the same about Noah. A man of many talents, he is working as a mixed media artist, painter, and hopefully will get back to using his renowned acting skills. He still contributes to the studio on a semi-regular basis. (photo forthcoming)

WILLIAM ASHLEY

William, blacksmith apprentice, philosophical conversationalist, and unofficial studio chaplain, has been a great addition to our family.

Former Contributors:

SAVANNAH STEVENS

Savannah, a quick learner, did some beautiful copper and iron work as well as assisted heavily with some of our largest fence projects. Back in Florida now, she is probably on a beach somewhere hoola hooping and thinking of her next move. We expect to see and work with her again. (Photo forthcoming)

LESTER HOOD

Lester, native of Birmingham, was our traditional blacksmith apprentice. After honing his skills and lending his labors to also help with the never ending studio upgrades he went on an extended vacation. We think he’s doing fine. Perhaps he’ll wield a hammer again someday.

Cole Nunely

Cole, a former physics major turned design fanatic, is currently pondering what he'd like to say in this blurb.  It will undoubtedly be some profound quotation or story of his excellence.  He hails from the sleazy town of Panama City Beach, FL.  We'll see if he makes it to work tomorrow.  (Currently a mover and “shaker” in the craft cocktails game, Cole is now living the hip married life to the fullest.)

TIM HARSTVEDT

Tim was a photography major at the University of Alabama at Birmingham.  He worked with the wetplate process at the studio, events, and contributed much creative and positive energy to the studio. He is still out there doing fine film, digital, painting and mixed media work. 

Matthew Holmes