The thing I have always likes the best about Gary Noffkes' work has been the surfaces and marks he puts on his pieces. He was initially a student of painting, before going into metal. His show at the Mint Museum is pretty amazing. Lots of spoons. He said at his talk that was his favorite thing to make and viewed it as the most important tool one would need. I had several favorite pieces. The bowls and cups are hot forged from a billet. They are high karat gold alloyed without copper. He has video documenting the process. He had a huge crowd for his talk, told some funny stories and it was apparent his life as metalsmith has been fulfilling and appreciated by his patrons. The trip to Charlotte is worth the visit for anyone who works in metal.