"Metalsmithing is a perpetual exchange between the sublime and the base, fluidity and rigidity, give and take. The metal is unyielding, yet when put to flame, it becomes a complacent participant in my creative process, only to muster its toughness again upon quenching. Steel is capable of being fashioned into any form; it can be warm, pleasing, and expressive, and it can be cold, hard, and blank. It is the challenge of understanding this material, and balancing these unique and fascinating qualities that has led me to make metalsmithing my lifelong pursuit. I strive to create pieces that are thoughtful in their design, pleasing to the eye and to the hand, and perfectly suited to their tasks - pieces that embody my vision and spirit, yet remain honest to the nature and temper of the materials from which they are wrought."

Paul Malmendier

Paul Malmendier has been creating unique works in metal for more than 20 years. He earned his MFA in metalsmithing from the Cranbrook Academy of Art in 1990, and received his BFA in jewelry making & metalsmithing from the University of the Arts in 1987.

His studio specializes in custom metal furniture and sculpture, and provides unique finished works to architects, designers, and collectors alike. His designs are included in such notable collections as Armstrong World Industries, Campbell's Soup Company, Hershey Gardens at Hershey Pennsylvania, Hershey Lodge & Hotel Hershey at Hershey Pennsylvania, Nabisco/Kraft Foods, Stauffer Biscuit Company, Sterling Worth, the Lancaster Museum of Art & the City of Lancaster Pennsylvania, the Borough of Lititz Pennsylvania & the Lititz Public Library, as well as numerous other private and public collections.

In August of 2003, Paul was featured on HGTV's Modern Masters. The episode was filmed at his studio, as well as various site locations, and featured Malmendier making a signature design decorative steel fireplace screen. The segment included interviews and conversations with the artist, and showcased a number of examples of his metalwork from a variety of collections.

Malmendier's one-of-a-kind designs are just that - made to order pieces created to suit each specific and individual application. Please feel free to contact the artist for more information about his work or to commission him to create a unique element for your home or business.

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© Paul Malmendier 2010