Artists transform rigid metal into dynamic, flowing forms through a combination of technical skill and creative vision. One key technique is hammering, where controlled strikes create undulating surfaces that catch light and shadow, simulating motion. Metalworkers also use strategic bending and twisting to imply energy, often heating the material to make it more pliable.

Another approach involves kinetic elements—balanced sculptures with moving parts activated by wind or touch. Texturing tools like chisels and grinders add rhythmic patterns that guide the viewer's eye across the piece. Some artists layer thin metal sheets to create wave-like effects, while others employ polished finishes that reflect changing environments.

Contemporary practitioners increasingly combine metals with complementary materials like glass or stone to enhance the illusion of movement through contrast. The mastery lies in making cold, hard metal appear weightless and alive—a testament to the artist's ability to defy material limitations through perception-shaping craftsmanship.