Paul A. Boccolucci
Artist-Blacksmith-Sculptor

Artist statement… I have been doing metalwork since my early teens. My Dad would bring me to my Uncle’s Welding Shop. My Uncle Pete would have some simple “tasks” for me to do for a few hours on Saturday afternoons. From these early years I had a fascination with metal...A fascination that developed into a fall-blown obsession. I taught myself to fabricate and weld steel. Most of my jobs were as a welder. Nevertheless, this was not enough. I always admired the fine forge work of the European Blacksmiths.

No one I asked knew anything about forging or blacksmithing techniques. So I set about learning these nearly forgotten skills; Information was scarce so it became another of my self-taught undertakings...

Many bums later.. .not to mention the hammered fingers.. .sore arms.. .etc.. .and forty years later I am still an artist/blacksmith. I combine those near forgotten skills of the blacksmith with the modem techniques of metal fabrication. I built my first blacksmith shop in a trailer park shed. This was after having a metal sculpture studio in an apartment I lived in. And this was after years of having a metal sculpture shop in the comer of my parents (Bless Their Souls) basement.

In 1976, I built a blacksmith shop and home in West Valley (Ashford) NY where I lived and worked until2000. Then Debby and I built a showroom, home and new shop/studio on route 219 and Connoisarauley Rd in West valley NY.My present work includes a series of monumental sculptures to display at our gallery/showroom. Many of these are bright, colorful whimsical creations. In addition to these “big guys”, I remain busy with custom work that ranges from hooks and hangers to railings, chandeliers, spiral staircases, etc. I am still as “obsessed” with ironwork as I have always been.. .and plan to “keep creating” for as long as I am able... Paul A. Boccolucci

Paul is a veteran of over 25 years of Art Shows. The couple continues to do Art Shows to sell their work, take custom orders and to promote the gallery.

Please accept their invitation to stop in and visit Real Stuff Gallery and Gifts. They are open 10-5 Fri., Sat and Sun, weekdays by chance or appointment- you can always call first to be sure.