I work in metals, ceramics and wood using a variety of tools to shape and mold materials into pieces that strive to capture the spirit of the craftsman era. I particularly enjoy working with hot forged metals which allows a normally rigid material to become plastic and able to be worked into fluid and organic shapes. For most of my work I use a combination of materials and it is not uncommon for me to incorporate found objects into my pieces. Raw materials for my found object pieces may originate from a scrap yard, flea market, yard sale or be found washed up on the coast. Gathering raw materials can often be as big a challenge as constructing the work. I enjoy creating my pieces and my reward is a positive response from the viewers.
— Public Art — Iron Work — Found Objects Art —
— WoodTurning — Burning Man Projects —
Public Art Projects
This was a public art project I did for the City of Mountain View, CA. It consists of 65′ of fencing including four forged steel gates and stone clad pilasters. I tried to capture the spirit of the craftsman era with this project. A Gingko leaf motif runs continuously through the work. Where the leaf pattern runs through the stone pilasters I made ceramic tiles to match the copper leaf patterns in the gates.
This project consists of a copper and granite fountain with concrete planters and fabricated steel trellis work. Installed in the sculpture garden at the Santa Cruz Museum of Art and History
This project consists of a forged copper bee. The project is installed on the Garfield Library in the City of Santa Cruz.
This project consists of forged steel ironwork and ceramic griffons on an entry arch going over the main wharf in the City of Capitola.
Ironwork
“Frolicking Wrenches” is a piece made from all recycled materials. The frame and legs are made from old castoff structural steel from my supply of old rusty stuff. I especially liked the texture of the legs which started out as heavily rusted angle iron which had been buried for a number of years. The wrenches were collected at yard sales and flea markets then forged into a variety of shapes to give them a somewhat organic quality. Even the glass was a castoff I found at the local flea market. I take special joy in giving new life to discarded items. 27″H x 29″W x 18″D.
This project consists of forged and fabricated steel with concrete and vermiculite seed pods. Project is shown as installed at the UCSC arboretum in Santa Cruz. This was a joint project with two other artists. 10′ H x 20′ W x 5′ D.
This project is constructed of forged and fabricated painted steel and a repurposed oxygen cylinder. 11′ H x 3′ W x 20″ D.
Found Object Art
“Hardley a Davidson” is a piece made mostly from vintage vacuum cleaner parts. The remnants of 11 vacuums are incorporated in this piece. Pretty much everything except the frame and wheels consists of parts from old Hoovers, Kirbys, Electroluxes and Compact vacuums. I added some neon and turned wood pieces to spice things up. Biker types will recognize the anatomical similarities to a Harley. This piece won the Golden Bear award at the California State Fair in 2009. 33″ H x 72″ W x 24″ D.
This piece is constructed of forged and fabricated steel with a vintage shovel and various found objects. 46″ H x 12″ W x 19″ T.
This piece is constructed of forged and fabricated steel, a paddle and various found objects. 54″ H x 16″ W x 12″ D.
This piece is constructed of fabricated steel and oak. 55″ H x 16″ W x 19″ D.
Woodturning
Photos and descriptions of Roy’s woodturning projects coming soon!
Wells Shoemaker, an outstanding writer, photographer and woodturner (and a good friend of Roy’s) wrote this wonderful article about Roy’s woodturning artwork, and how he combines it with blacksmithing and found object art. Please read the PDF (659 KB) of the article, “Hard Wood and Hot Steel: Roy Holmberg Combines Turning and Blacksmithing,” used by permission of the American Association of Woodturners, and published in the August 2022 issue of their magazine American Woodturner.
You can purchase a copy of the August 2022 issue ($15), or become a member of the AAW ($68/yr.).
Burning Man Projects
For more than ten years I have ventured out into Black Rock City to participate in the annual Burning Man Festival. The primary mode of transportation at this event is pedal-powered vehicles. These photos are of two art bikes I have completed to date —primarily for use at Burning Man — and an art installation as well.
A four wheel, four person pedal powered vehicle. It is constructed of fabricated steel with repurposed bicycle parts and some cast off office chairs.
A four wheel, two person pedal powered vehicle designed for the playa at Black Rock City. It is constructed of fabricated steel, repurposed bicycle parts, screen fabric and LED lighting.
This project was constructed of forged and fabricated steel and various mechanical attachments. This was a collaborative team effort designed and coordinated by fellow blacksmith Kirk McNeill. I was responsible for design and fabrication of the main bearing assembly. Kirk obtained a grant from Burning Man for this installation project and the team had an absolute deadline for completion and installation. A lot of stress for team members and a great deal of satisfaction seeing it installed on the playa.