WQED’s new documentary Steel Links, which includes a segment with Patterns Artist and Founder Cory Bonnet, premiered on June 10th, and is now available to stream here on WQED’s website.
Steel Links explores the deep connection between Pittsburgh’s steel industry and the region’s identity, highlighting the grit, innovation, and pride that have shaped generations. The documentary features personal stories from Pittsburgh icons, including Bill Cowher, Neil Walker, Charlie Batch, and Wiz Khalifa.
Our Steelmaking Heritage
In his segment, Cory shares how Pittsburgh’s steelmaking heritage serves as both a subject and source of inspiration in his work, capturing the resilience, pride, and ingenuity that defines the region.
“They were the center of everything in the community,” Cory says of the steel mills. “When they were lost, it wasn’t just jobs - it was a way of life, a source of pride, and a connection to the work that built the modern world.”
Reflecting on how that legacy continues to influence Pittsburgh’s spirit today, the segment offers a powerful reminder of the enduring value of creativity, craftsmanship, and community.