Blacksmithing for Oliver began as a search for an artistic discipline and medium in which to express himself. He completed an abundance of vocational courses in both Warwick and Hereford technology colleges learning the fundamentals of blacksmithing and metallurgy. Post study he worked for numerous blacksmiths where the production of different sized architectural, restoration and conservation commissions were completed.
Throughout the years of enhancing his practice he had a growing desire and ambition to both design his own work and have his own studio and forge. He returned to Hereford college of arts where he would develop his own aesthetic style fuelled by his technical and artistic interests which has resulted in an original design vocabulary.
"My main focus is to combine both historical and contemporary techniques in which steel is my principal medium. When steel is heated it can be manipulated into a diversity of forms which inherently retain a durable and robust structure. My artistic integrity sits beside the stylistic longevity which my work focuses whilst being artistically sustainable".
The majority of his work is bespoke and is a response to a brief supplied by clients in the form of a commission. He likes to challenge the design brief whilst engaging with the clients requests pushing the boundaries or expectations. "I celebrate my role in bringing a new contemporary and fresh approach to the ancient art and craft of blacksmithing".
Throughout the years of enhancing his practice he had a growing desire and ambition to both design his own work and have his own studio and forge. He returned to Hereford college of arts where he would develop his own aesthetic style fuelled by his technical and artistic interests which has resulted in an original design vocabulary.
"My main focus is to combine both historical and contemporary techniques in which steel is my principal medium. When steel is heated it can be manipulated into a diversity of forms which inherently retain a durable and robust structure. My artistic integrity sits beside the stylistic longevity which my work focuses whilst being artistically sustainable".
The majority of his work is bespoke and is a response to a brief supplied by clients in the form of a commission. He likes to challenge the design brief whilst engaging with the clients requests pushing the boundaries or expectations. "I celebrate my role in bringing a new contemporary and fresh approach to the ancient art and craft of blacksmithing".