An artist takes up residence with an industrial process.(Letterbox)

I was in the right place at the right time to end up an artist in residence at a commercial metalcasting facility.

I have been a person who has access to not only Smith Foundry, Minneapolis, but many other metalcasting facilities because I have been able to relate to the industrial environment.

Working at Smith Foundry (a union shop) for so many years, I have had the opportunity not only to just make art, but I also have worked on projects to help the business.

I think the greatest thing that happen to me was that the union let me do so many other things than my art, from one-off castings to prototypes.

During my graduate school days at the Univ. of Minnesota, I was giving a chance, along with Norm Taylor, professor emeritus, Univ. of Washington, to help start Kolher's "Art and Industry" casting program for artists. Just seeing what a real industrial metalcasting facility could offer led me down the road to connect with real metalcasters and real people.

Through the years of having a opportunity to be an insider, I have had the chance to not only make my art, but also to help other artists make their own art and do various projects for Smith Foundry.

Have you ever heard of an artist invited to be a part of an industrial metalcasting facility?

Editor's Note: John Poole was the subject of July's Shakeout column, "Dropping Cast Iron Balls on Your Stuff. "He recommends you check out the destruction by searching "Minnesota State Lottery Dinner Table" at www.youtube.com.

JOHN POOLE

ARTIST IN RESIDENCE

SMITH FOUNDRY CO.

MINNEAPOLOIS, MINN.

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