Thousands of pounds of molten iron becomes art during Koji Iron Pour in Scottsdale

By Amber Victoria Singer, Mark Brodie
Published: Thursday, November 10, 2022 - 12:21pm

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participants watch molten iron pouring at the fall 2022 koji iron pour
Amber Victoria Singer/KJZZ
Participants watch pouring molten iron at the fall 2022 Koji Iron Pour at Scottsdale Community College, Nov. 5, 2022.

Last week, students and artists gathered at Scottsdale Community College to turn thousands of pounds of molten iron into art.

From afar, participants looked like firefighters, covered in helmets with face shields, safety goggles and gloves as well as leather aprons, jackets, pants and shoe covers.

It’s important that every inch of skin is protected from stray embers and the nearly 2,050-degree molten iron.

participants at the fall 2022 koji iron pour
Amber Victoria Singer/KJZZ
Participants at the fall 2022 Koji Iron Pour at Scottsdale Community College, Nov. 5, 2022.

A line of caution tape kept friends, family members and forgery fanatics at a safe distance during the actual pouring.

That was the fall Koji Iron Pour. Hours later, after the dust cleared and the iron cooled, molds were pulled apart to reveal various sculptures, pots and even a large wheel.

Next semester’s pour will be held in the spring at Arizona State University.

participants at the fall 2022 koji iron pour
Amber Victoria Singer/KJZZ
Participants at the fall 2022 Koji Iron Pour at Scottsdale Community College, Nov. 5, 2022.

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