RAY M O N D M AT H I S
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T H E O N LY T R U T H
R AY M O N D M AT H I S ~ T H E O N LY T R U T H
This book is dedicated to my husband, Raymond, whose passion for life and learning inspires me every day. — Rosemary Tottoroto
THERE IS NEITHER PAINTING, NOR SCULP TU RE , NOR MU SIC, NOR P OETRY. THE ONLY TRUTH IS CREATION. — Umberto Boccioni
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robert beck
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mathis There are patterns on the Blacksmith’s leather apron where the brown nap has worn smooth to an iron gray, places where his imagination meets hard metal. The forge glows orange and white. Its force is met by vice and tongs, not without cost. Scars etch the Blacksmith’s arms and his hands are permanently marked with the colors of his tools, the colors of his art. 5
The Blacksmith begins with calculation, muscles still aching from the last encounter. Hammer, anvil and wrench are applied, and in time the metal yields to him in beautiful ways. The Blacksmith is a gentle man of immense strength, with a habit of kindness and humility. His heart beats a ceaseless passion, a perpetual will. His deep, clear eyes are warmed by a rising shimmer of flame. — Robert Beck
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TO AN E NGIN EER , GOOD ENOUGH MEANS PERFECT. WITH AN ARTIST, THERE'S NO SUCH THIN G AS PER FECT. Alexander Calder
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THERE IS ON LY ON E WAY TO MAKE GOOD DECORATIVE IRON WORK AND THAT IS WITH THE HAMMER AT THE ANVIL , FOR IN THE HE AT OF CR EATION AND UN DER THE SPELL OF THE HAMMER , THE WHOLE CONCEP TION OF A COMP OSITION IS OF TEN TRAN SFORMED. — Samuel Yellin
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EVERYBODY KN OWS THAT STEEL IS... STRUCTURAL ... IMPERSONAL . THE WAY I HANDLE IT BY BENDIN G IT AND HEATIN G IT AND FORGING IT, IT ’S THE OPP OSITE OF THAT. IT ’S LYRICAL . IT HAS MOTION. IT HAS GESTU RE. IT SEEMS TO IMITATE NATUR E. — Albert Paley
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special thanks to 60
Robert Beck Ben Weldon Michael Wert and all of our family and friends who have supported and encouraged Raymond in his craft over the years.
photo credits: Ben Weldon Photography: Cover images and pages 14, 28, 46 and 60 Michael Wert Photography: Pages 6 through 13, 16 through 27, 30 through 37, 49 and 50, 52 through 59 Carolyn Gabbe: Page 42
Tutto Metal Design, Raymond’s studio, has been involved in projects that have ranged from commissioned sculpture, interior and garden furniture, lighting and hardware to commercial signage, gates, railings, and liturgical metalwork. Working in a variety of materials such as steel, copper, bronze, stainless steel, stone, and hand-blown glass, Mathis collaborates not only with private clients but with interior designers, architects, landscape professionals, and public art committees. In addition to receiving several awards in juried exhibitions and for historic preservation, his work has been featured in a variety of national and regional publications. www.tuttometaldesign.com All dust jacket images by Ben Weldon Photography www.benweldonphotography.com