Metal Work
Structural and decorative metalwork built to endure — and to inspire.
Welcome to
The Wooden Anvil
Metal work & custom sculpting by Richard Van Heuvelen — where bold visions are forged into living, breathing steel.
The Artist
Four decades of metal, mastery, and imagination
I'm Richard Van Heuvelen. For over four decades, metal has been my preferred medium for creative expression. With my metal work, I bring ideas to life and make visions become reality. No matter how big or small, I can help you with your project.
From a life-sized giraffe or a 13-meter high iceberg to a baby whooping crane or a small rose, my work is diverse, vibrant, life-filled, and most importantly, unique.
My Journey
About Me
My journey as a metal sculptor started in 1978 at the young age of 18 years old when I began working with renowned artist Bill Lishman. Soon I was delving into many varied projects with an emphasis in metal sculpture. It was not long before I was left on my own and very quickly developed my own unique skills as well as my own way of doing metal work. After ghost sculpting for various artists, I started my own company — The Wooden Anvil.
Services
Craft tailored to your vision
All of my projects are custom-built, catered to my clients' needs. I have done metal work on a large variety of projects over the years for many different people, companies, non-profits, movies, exhibits, and governmental organizations.
I have honed my craft and developed a distinctive style. You can be rest assured that the work I deliver for you is top-notch, of the highest caliber, and a Richard Van Heuvelen original.
Custom Sculpting
Original sculptures from intimate keepsakes to monumental installations.
Special Projects
Film, exhibits, non-profits, and one-of-a-kind commissions worldwide.
Gallery
Selected works from the forge
“I do believe that Richard Van Heuvelen is the best metal sculptor artist in the world. The photo just does not do it justice. It is so incredibly anatomically accurate and he is somehow able to capture animation and expression in an inanimate metal object.”
Studio Journal
Notes from the workshop
Why Every Piece Is an Original
The Wooden Anvil does not produce copies. Each commission is a Richard Van Heuvelen original, built for one client and one place.
Read more →Life at the Port Perry Studio
A day at The Wooden Anvil mixes sparks at the bench, lake air, and the conversations that keep creativity flowing.
Read more →Welding as Drawn Line
In my hands, the welder is as much a drawing tool as a joining device — each bead a deliberate mark.
Read more →Commissions
Have a vision? Let's bring it to life.
If you have a grand idea that you want to come to life, I want to work with you. Through my metal work, I will make your dreams become a reality.