by hand & heart

Partners

Rish and I met at The College of William and Mary as business school students and embarked on a partnership that would unite both our personal and professional lives. We both shared a vision of exploring the world and curiosity to learn. After our MBA, we left Virginia and spent over a decade living in Washington DC, New York City and New Delhi, India. During that time we also got the opportunity to travel extensively in Europe and Asia. Right before COVID began, we repatriated to my hometown, to be close to my family and to "put down roots" in Norfolk, VA.

Rish belongs to the third generation of metal manufacturers from Northern India and grew up spending his time on the factory floor helping his dad with various aspects of the business. His professional life has always blended creativity and design with business. He started his career as a television producer for CNBC and later worked with leading advertising agencies Saatchi & Saatchi and J. Walter Thompson. His entrepreneurial zeal took him to leading and turning around a struggling hardware brand and refounding it as Modern Matter.

My twenty-year career has been focused on organizational strategy and change management. As an advisor and creator, I enjoy tackling big, messy projects, connecting dots, and designing simple but effective solutions. I strongly believe that an intentional life is an ideal life, and our physical surroundings play a central role in that. Focusing on blending beauty with function, in daily details like cabinet hardware, helps build a home that we cherish for years to come.

Rish and I share a kindred passion for creativity, design and making an impact. - Cynthia

Products

The mission of Art and Forge is clear: to craft luxury hardware that not only stood as a testament to our unwavering commitment to quality but also paid homage to the unique Indian tradition of exceptional craftsmanship.

Along with our valued and discerning customers, we share a profound respect for the traditional techniques of sand casting and hand finishing. In a world where technology often replaces skilled artisans, we chose a different path to create unique and carefully curated products.

We recognized the value of these age-old techniques, preserving the heritage of crafting fine metal objects. Every piece we design carries the soulful touch of handwork and the legacy of a rich tradition, ensuring that each item becomes a work of art in its own right!

The elegant metal finishes on Art and Forge pieces only get better with continued use and the passage of time. - Rish

Purpose

We recognize that while forging metal is a crucial process, it is equally important to forge strong communities. We are deeply committed to supporting the skilled artisans who are the lifeblood of this craft. A portion of the profits goes directly towards helping these artisans continue to practice and perfect their art.

But we don't stop there. We have extended our reach into the heart of Norfolk, Virginia, which we call home. As active volunteers, we support the establishment and investment in local organizations, charities, and nonprofits. We understand the value of community and the impact it can have on people's lives. A portion of our profits go to organizations such as the Food Bank of Southeastern Virginia and the Azalea Little League, making a positive difference in the lives of those who need it most.

In Art and Forge, you'll find more than just beautifully crafted cabinet hardware; you'll discover a company with a heart and a mission. We honor the traditions of the past, embrace the possibilities of the future, and invest in the betterment of communities.

Thanks for considering Art and Forge hardware for your next project.

Cynthia and Rish

QUALITY