Blacksmith Elizabeth Brim working in her iron studio near Penland School
Blacksmith Elizabeth Brim working in her iron studio near Penland School

Elizabeth Brim is known throughout the craft world for her life-sized, steel replicas of traditionally feminine objects such as hats, dresses, pillows, and flowers; for her expressive and fluid use of the material; and for her facility at inflating steel forms with compressed air. As a blacksmith and sculptor, Elizabeth has an inspiring story.

“Iron Pearls,” titled after Elizabeth Brim’s signature trademark of sporting a string of pearls in the iron studio, tells the story of a woman who fought her way into the world of a blacksmithing and made a name for herself in this male-dominated field. This film will follow Elizabeth in her studio as she creates one of her famous steel pillows, which is is a famous for, using the inflation process that is both captivating to watch because of the flaming red-hot iron but also dangerous to perform. We will also break down with the messaging behind Elizabeth’s work that not only pokes fun at her proper Southern upbringing but has deeper undertones about gender identity and inclusion. Artists, curators and collectors will discuss her 40-year career in blacksmithing.
 
Director | E. Vincent Martinez
 
 

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