The Metal Mastery of Fons Koning
In Zevenbergen, the Netherlands, lives a man who has spent his entire life transforming cold sheets of metal into objects filled with meaning and life. His name is Fons Koning, 65, a craftsman whose journey through the world of plumbing, roofing, and metal art has evolved into a unique form of creative expression.
Forged by Fire
Fons’s story begins at the age of 14, when he started studying plumbing at a technical school. “That’s where I first came into contact with zinc, lead, and copper,” he recalls. “My teacher was an old coppersmith, and my first pieces were copper lamps and vases, made using soldering irons heated in a furnace.” Those early lessons sparked a fascination with metals that would shape his entire career.
After his training, Fons began working as a plumber and roofer at just 16. For over 30 years, he used his technical skills to waterproof roofs and façades, mastering the properties of each material. Nearly two decades ago, he joined VM Building Solutions, where he now shares his expertise as a trainer in zinc processing, roofing, and façade work. “My job is to share my experience and knowledge with people who want to learn,” he says.
The Birth of FK Metal Art
While Fons has worked with metal for most of his life, his artistic journey took time to unfold. “I started making sculptures in my thirties from wood, marble, and iron. I think that was my way of finding what I do now,” he explains. Eventually, this curiosity led him back to metals, his first love - and FK Metal Art was born.
What draws him to materials like zinc, copper, and lead? “You can transform a dead material into something almost living,” says Fons. “I always seek the limits of metal, that’s the thrill.” His pieces, from intricate flowers to large-scale wall decorations, embody both craftsmanship and emotional resonance.
Creating with Fire and Precision
Each work begins differently. “Ideas often come while I’m working,” Fons says. For commissioned pieces such as the VEDO Zinc project, he might base the design on a client’s photo or sketch then translate it into metal using hand tools, cutting, hammering, and soldering until the piece takes form.
Heating tools play a vital role in his process, and Fons relies on his trusted Sievert equipment. “I use the PSI soldering iron, the Promatic soldering iron, and a Pro 95. They’re indispensable for what I do,” he explains. Years of experience have also led him to develop his own techniques; especially when crafting delicate forms like roses or lilies. “Even now, I often have to come up with solutions on the spot to make the piece look right.”
Art with Lasting Impact
Whether he’s shaping a rose, a swan, or a church ornament, Fons puts equal care into every commission. “What makes each project special is the client’s story and their connection to it,” he explains. Many of his sculptures and rooftop decorations are designed to last for generations. A legacy of craftsmanship in metal.
As for what the future holds for metal art…Fons laughs softly: “I have no idea. I’m just trying to make the most of what I have.”
And perhaps that’s the essence of true craftsmanship, finding beauty and meaning in the materials at hand, one spark at a time.
Crafting Sustainably
Sustainability is a natural part of Fons’s method. He works mostly with offcuts, which he purchases at scrap price, ensuring nothing goes to waste. “If I have any leftover material, I sort and dispose of it properly,” he says. This resourceful approach not only reduces waste but also adds a layer of authenticity to each piece.