R AY M O N D M AT H I S ~ 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

3T H E R E I S N E I T H E R PA I N T I N G , N O R S C U L P T U R E , N O R M U S I C , N O R P O E T RY. T H E O N LY T R U T H I S C R E AT I O N .

— Umberto Boccioni

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robe

rt b

eck

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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.

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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15TO A N E N G I N E E R , G O O D E N O U G H M E A N S P E R F EC T. W I T H A N A RT I ST, T H E R E ' S N O S U C H T H I N G A S P E R F EC T.Alexander Calder

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T H E R E I S O N LY O N E WAY TO M A K E G O O D D EC O RAT I V E I R O N WO R K A N D T H AT I S W I T H T H E

H A M M E R AT T H E A N V I L , F O R I N T H E H E AT O F C R E AT I O N A N D U N D E R T H E S P E L L O F T H E

H A M M E R , T H E W H O L E C O N C E P T I O N O F A C O M P O S I T I O N I S O F T E N T RA N S F O R M E D.— Samuel Yellin

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47E V E RY B O DY K N OWS T H AT ST E E L I S . . . ST R U C T U RA L . . . I M P E R S O N A L .

T H E WAY I H A N D L E I T BY B E N D I N G I T A N D H E AT I N G I T A N D F O R G I N G I T, I T ’ S T H E O P P O S I T E O F T H AT. I T ’ S LY R I C A L . I T H A S M OT I O N . I T H A S G E ST U R E . I T S E E M S TO I M I TAT E N AT U R E .

— Albert Paley

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special thanks toRobert 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 Photographywww.benweldonphotography.com