Other - America
Part Time Professional
General Blacksmith, Heritage Blacksmith, Artist Blacksmith
I have worked as a blacksmith off and on for 23 years, primarily in forged and fabricated architectural work for homes, gates, railing, entryways, lighting, etc. I worked with Eric Velleca of Velleca Metal Design from 2004-2021 and with David Ponsler of Ponsler Metal Design from 2023 to present, on an as needed basis.
I have experience forging wrought iron, steel, stainless steel, aluminium, silicon bronze, a smidgen of copper work and helped my brother and sister-in-law make their own platinum wedding bands. My favorite personal things to make usually involve the concept of using fire to make things that hold or manipulate fire, such as candle holders, oil lamps, fire tools and screens, and cooking utensils. I also enjoy demonstrating and teaching. I have demonstrated and taught classes publicly and privately for individuals and private schools. I greatly enjoy sharing the art and craft of blacksmithing as a teacher, seeing a new smith's eyes light up when they have an "aha" moment is a great feeling.
I am a member in good standing of the Florida Artist Blacksmith Association (FABA) since 2002, and currently help organize and coordinate classes for their annual conference. In 2024, FABA, as a registered teaching entity with the State of Florida, USA, did me the great honor of awarding me their highest award, an Honorary Degree of Doctorate of Philosophy in the Art of Metalsmithing. The Ph.D. degree is the most prestigious award that FABA sponsors, and is conferred upon an individual who has made outstanding contributions to the art of blacksmithing and its preservation. I was and am, greatly humbled by the recognition of my peers and hope to continue to contribute to blacksmithing for many years to come.
Part Time Professional
General Blacksmith, Heritage Blacksmith, Artist Blacksmith
I have worked as a blacksmith off and on for 23 years, primarily in forged and fabricated architectural work for homes, gates, railing, entryways, lighting, etc. I worked with Eric Velleca of Velleca Metal Design from 2004-2021 and with David Ponsler of Ponsler Metal Design from 2023 to present, on an as needed basis.
I have experience forging wrought iron, steel, stainless steel, aluminium, silicon bronze, a smidgen of copper work and helped my brother and sister-in-law make their own platinum wedding bands. My favorite personal things to make usually involve the concept of using fire to make things that hold or manipulate fire, such as candle holders, oil lamps, fire tools and screens, and cooking utensils. I also enjoy demonstrating and teaching. I have demonstrated and taught classes publicly and privately for individuals and private schools. I greatly enjoy sharing the art and craft of blacksmithing as a teacher, seeing a new smith's eyes light up when they have an "aha" moment is a great feeling.
I am a member in good standing of the Florida Artist Blacksmith Association (FABA) since 2002, and currently help organize and coordinate classes for their annual conference. In 2024, FABA, as a registered teaching entity with the State of Florida, USA, did me the great honor of awarding me their highest award, an Honorary Degree of Doctorate of Philosophy in the Art of Metalsmithing. The Ph.D. degree is the most prestigious award that FABA sponsors, and is conferred upon an individual who has made outstanding contributions to the art of blacksmithing and its preservation. I was and am, greatly humbled by the recognition of my peers and hope to continue to contribute to blacksmithing for many years to come.
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