KELLY R LUDEKING
IRONMONGER
Manifesting collaborative & individual artist visions.
MEET THE ARTIST
Hey, I'm Kelly!
I started KRL Metals to combine my passion for process-driven artistry with my love for collaboration—helping individuals and artists bring their creative visions to life through custom furniture, metal sculpture, and hands-on teaching in welded and foundry art.
EVER SINCE I'VE BEEN ABLE TO CREATE BEAUTIFUL THINGS WITH AMAZING PEOPLE, INCLUDING SOME COOL STUFF LIKE:
IRONHEAD Documentary
Ironhead (2015) documents the creative work of ironmonger Kelly Ludeking and the happenings at his Down on the Farm Iron Pour, a yearly communal gathering of local and national artists collaborating to make cast iron art at the Ludeking family farm in Decorah, Iowa. (Webpage with documentary coming soon!)
BUDDHIST Bell
Remember that time I had the audacity to make a traditional Buddhist Bell for a monastery in NE Iowa?
Bell making is usually a process handed down through generations of bell makers. It's rarely, if ever, done anywhere in the Western world, but when I was approached by the monk to make them a bell, I told them I would.
This is still one of my proudest moments as an artist, sculptor & creative problem solver.
This film was created by Paul Creager who has done extensive research & filming of traditional Buddhist bells. In particular, he has documented the return of bells stolen during WWII (to be melted down for munitions) as they were returned to their homeland. He is the one who pronounced my "audacity" in not only undertaking this project, but accomplishing it. So much gratitude for his work & support of this project, which took place in 2019. (Webpage with video coming soon!)
DOWN ON THE FARM Iron Pour
Although we are taking 2025 off after 20 consecutive years of casting, camping + community, we would still love to hear from you over at https://downonthefarmironpour.com/
HOW can I help YOU
CREATE A NEW PASSION?
Collaborate to design and create custom metal furniture and sculptures tailored to fit your space, aesthetic, and personal vision.
Bring your creative ideas to life, guiding you through every step of the process, from concept to completion.
Offer expert teaching and mentorship in welding and foundry techniques, empowering artists and beginners alike to master the tools of the trade.
Transform raw materials into timeless art that tells a story and reflects your unique style or purpose.
Work closely with homeowners, designers, and other artists to create installations and functional pieces that are as practical as they are beautiful.
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Let's work together
Explore your creativity with KRL Metals through hands-on beginner welding sessions, immersive project-based classes, intimate foundry experiences for small groups, or multi-day workshops combining art, camping, and community.
What others are saying
Testimonials
"Friend, colleague, guru"
"Without his generosity, patience, and respect, I wouldn't have ever grown or been able to even imagine running my own cast iron art studio without his diligent guidance and support ."
- Alisa Toninato
Owner + Artist
FeLion Studios
"Well made + beautiful"
"We own one of Kelly’ sculptures – the work is well made and beautiful.
He is a resourceful person that can be trusted to provide the goods and services he promises."
- Steve Harmon
Owner
HDI Harmon Design Inc
"Innovative metal caster"
"Innovative metal caster, very involved in community service and community events, and involved on the national and international art casting movement."
- Wayne E Potratz
Professor and Scholar of the College at U of MN
