BLACKSMITH David Stephenson and artist Gail Hurst have collaborated for an exhibition in the art gallery at Ryedale Folk Museum.

Gail has created a series of works in charcoal and mixed media. Some of the work involved applying layers of acrylic paint and inks, followed by a process of rubbing in and scratching layers back.

“For Plant Line my paintings are inspired by plant forms including the majesty of trees, their solid trunks, linear branches and twisted twigs," Gail said. "The emotional response to the natural world lifts my spirits and encourages me to work outdoors.”

Using hand-forging techniques, blacksmith David has produced a series of sculptural forms. He is fascinated by fire and enjoys the process of transforming basic steel stock into finished pieces. He finds the method engrossing and made poignant by the knowledge that the work will outlive the maker.

“I’m happy making functional items but it is the sculptural pieces I most enjoy. It’s the physicality of the process which I love, balancing heat and hammer to reveal simple forms," David said.

"I’m fascinated by the way the emotional feel of a piece can be changed by minor differences in the relative arrangement of these elements. It is this aspect of my sculpture which I hope is revealed by the pieces in this exhibition.”

Gail lives with her husband, Eddie, at Port Mulgrave in the North York Moors, where she has her studio.

David studied at the National Blacksmithing School in Herefordshire after a career teaching in the UK and overseas. Today, he works from his own forge near Lockton in the North York Moors.

The exhibition can be seen at the art gallery at the Ryedale Folk Museum until Sunday, October 5, from 10am to 5pm daily. Admission to the gallery is free of charge.