Minnesota artist Tom Christiansen has worked in art metal for more than forty years. His interest in metal work and welding was sparked in early childhood while watching his uncle perform implement repair work in rural Nebraska.

Tom went on to study at The Minneapolis College of Art and Design and earned a BFA in sculpture at the University of Minnesota. A career in producing diverse objects followed. Tom's work has ranged from abstract and kinetic sculpture to decorative, functional household items.

"My work covers a large range of purpose but there is a theme that runs through all aspects of it. I remain true to the material and I honor the process. I try to inform users and viewers of my work of the process involved in production. Where appropriate, I leave tool marks, welds and the raw material exposed. I approach my work intuitively to the point of using direct-construction methods, even in my cast-bronze sculpture. It is my belief that we are separated too much in our modern world from the industrial activity of making objects by hand. I want to bring that tactile, robust energy back into our lives. And at the same time, I don't like to take myself too seriously; most of my pieces express my sense of humor as well."  -- Tom Christiansen