Brad Wills

A person with dyed hair and facial piercings standing behind a white display table with metal sculptures. Two large forest-themed photographs hang on the wall behind them.

Founded on a deep interest of both mycology and metalwork, the mycelial metal project aims to combine the intriguing properties of both fungi and the ‘human’ aspects of forged metal. It is shown, through the final forms, that inspiration in these areas is vast and that the collaboration of ideas in both areas can produce wildly interesting results.  

Mycelial metal focuses on a break down and experimentation of structure, avoiding a simple mimicry of natural forms to fully appreciate the comparative absurdity of fungi when combined with the industriality of blacksmithing. Through this approach, an exciting creation process is formed.

These steel forms exist as markers within their ideal spaces to present the fungal networks that remain primarily hidden, showing what intriguing forms can grow and elevating the way the world perceives areas where these massive invisible systems are prevalent.

Young man with dyed hair working on a detailed design with white chalk on a piece of sheet steel in a blacksmith's workshop
Four young adults and one middle-aged man standing on wooden steps outside a black building with stairs and plants nearby.
A metalworker with blue dyed hair, safety glasses, and a beanie holding a hammer in a blacksmith workshop, standing in front of a forge with a bright flame, tools, and a brick wall background.
A person with green and purple hair working at a blacksmithing station, using a hammer on a piece of metal with glowing orange and pink heat. The person is wearing a dark green shirt with a logo and glasses.
Person wearing a teal beanie and black shirt, working with a hammer and tongs in a workshop filled with metalworking tools.
A man with teal and black hair working with a hammer on a metal object in a blacksmith's workshop.

“My craft evolves through consideration, exploration and contemplation”

“Steel will never be anything except steel”

- Pete Matilla

“Blacksmithing at its root is problem solving. Fixing a perceived fault, answering a question, or testing possibilities all play into this.

If you find joy in puzzles and problem solving then this craft grants endless opportunities for excitement”