MACHINAS

American Industrial Art evolved from hardwood patterns handcrafted at the Beloit Ironworks’ papermaking machine complex throughout the mid-19th and 20th centuries. Pushed aside by the techno-laser era, these haunting icons represent an incredible blend of American craftsmanship and historic industrial ingenuity.

These new forms or ‘machinas’ seem to build themselves. Patterns ‘speak out’ as obvious tails, heads, or wingspans and once joined together emerge as animate objects. Due to the exact mirroring components of the papermaking machine requirements, pieces exist in pairs and evoke a call to symmetry and balance. Each pattern was originally color-coded and many are adorned with tin labels engraved with a once critical coding system. The patinas of the hardwood form an incredible rich and vibrant palette requiring little supplementation. The fusion of symmetry/color, historical context/contemporary design, industrial precision/mythical animation all work together to honor a proud American heritage while forging ahead towards new horizons. View our gallery here.