“Tidal Creature” by Nile and Michelle Fahmy at RiverSea Gallery.

ASTORIA — Exhibiting in the Alcove at RiverSea Gallery are Nile and Michelle Fahmy, whose show, “Trees and Tides,” features coastal forms in raised copper by the two metalsmiths. Their vessels and sculpted shapes are created by raising copper from a flat plane into a three-dimensional form. A single piece may require thousands of hammer blows and hundreds of hours of labor. Surface textures are reminiscent of tree bark, wave ripples or patterns in sand, and interiors are often embellished with gold leaf to offer a contrast to the earthy copper. This exhibit opens with a reception on Saturday, July 11 as part of Astoria’s Second Saturday Art Walk from 5 to 8 p.m., and continues through Aug. 4. Both artists will be on hand for the opening reception.

Unusually, this artistic duo is comprised of a brother and sister who work alongside each other in the studio, sharing ideas for new design concepts as they each shape metal through the age-old techniques of raising, chasing and repoussé, all aspects of the forging process. Each piece created is seamless, and forged by the free-hand beating of a hammer between rounds of heat application.

The techniques used are ancient, some dating back to the Bronze Age. Just like in times gone by, each piece produced requires a great deal of focus, control, physical strength and endurance. And due to the nature of the forging process, each form produced is one-of-a-kind. Inspiration comes from patterns found in the natural world, and for this series of work, from the trees, forest creatures, shoreline and tides of the Northwest.

Nile Fahmy began experimenting with hammering metal at a young age and has spent a lifetime exploring techniques used by Vikings, the Samurai and colonial American silversmiths. All of these teachers from the past add their voices to his current work.

Michelle Fahmy apprenticed under her brother. In addition to forging, she is the one who adds patina and sometimes gold leaf to the finished pieces.

As both brother and sister are conversant in forging techniques, they have the ability to challenge each other’s ideas and designs. Their different skill sets are complementary, and their deep rooted friendship makes collaboration a joy that is integral to their creative process and to the appearance of each piece of artwork.

The Fahmys currently reside and work in Salt Lake City, Utah, but they are determined to realize their dream of moving to the coastal Northwest sometime this year. They regularly exhibit in juried fine art shows around the country and in 2014 were awarded Best in Metal Art at the Philadelphia Museum of Art Craft Show. Their forged metal vessels are held in collections throughout the nation.

RiverSea Gallery is located at at 1160 Commercial St. For more information, call 503-325-1270 or visit riverseagallery.com