Artwork copyright Maria Cristalli. Photo courtesy of the curator, Philippe Hyojung Kim, 2021.

Artwork copyright Maria Cristalli. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission, by Yakima Valley Photography, 2021.

Portal, 2018

Maria Cristalli
American (born 1964)

Location: Simcoe Elementary, Wapato

About the Artwork

Maria Cristalli physically and mentally explores materials and forging techniques to sculpt metal into either a desired form, or “an expression of the hot steel’s own movement.” Her work is modern and bold, but also very tactile and graceful. This artwork is part of a curated collection by Philippe Hyojung Kim in 2021 at Simcoe Elementary, in Wapato, Central Washington. The local art selection committee stressed the following interests: artworks that represent Wapato’s diverse families and its rural and agricultural communities; the connection to the Yakama Nation; and artworks that focus on balance and are reflective of young minds.

This artwork was acquired for the State Art Collection in partnership with Wapato School District.

About the Artist

Maria Cristalli is a blacksmith artist who creates hand-forged sculptures. She also creates architectural and decorative metal objects such as hardware, gates, and railings. Cristalli notes, "I get inspired by working at the forge. I love the material, the process and the experimentation that I can do with fire, hammer and anvil." Cristalli has been blacksmithing for over thirty years and has apprenticed with master smiths. She lives in the woods outside of Cle Elum, Central Washington.