Zimmermann (German, b. 1969) grew up in his father’s, Paul Zimmermann (German, b. 1939) forge. There, he learnt the craft of Blacksmithing. Through the years he has translated the traditional form into a contemporary art form. Like his father, he is among renowned designers and artists worldwide.
In his formative years, he was supported by several scholarships. He travelled and worked for renowned metal artist across the continent and in the United States. Further training in conservation, art and architecture history followed in Venice. After his master's certificate in 1998, he took over his father's forge in Pliezhausen.
Heiner brings the century old profession of Blacksmithing to the 21st century. His works are the result of a search for form, structure and surface with aim to touch and move the spectator. He respects the material and forging tradition without neglecting demands of the contemporary design. From an individual creation process comes unique work, the development history symbolizes the union of an idea and will through the material iron.
Since 2009 Heiner Zimmermann holds a Professorship in Metal Art at HDK University of Gothenborg in Sweden.
