My Story

I spent six years at WSU studying architecture, and I never had the chance to take that fun art course.

During 40 years of practice, 30 owning my own firm, the hours and effort continued. I loved it and still do. About a decade ago it was time to slow down. My wife reminded me that I always wanted to take those art courses.

I took some figure drawing courses at American River College and one called Ornamental Iron- Blacksmithing. Professor Parker really turned me on to blacksmithing, but a forge at home just wouldn’t work.

The Folsom History Museum had a forge at their Pioneer Village Museum, and they were looking for blacksmiths to keep it open. Now I had a place to play. I got to do my art in front of the public while explaining how blacksmiths were so important in early Folsom’s gold rush history. A match was found.

I joined the California Blacksmith Association. At conferences I found blacksmiths shared ideas with each other, and my work soon stood on its own. I started with leaves, simple and flat until I met people who showed me how to twist, bend and forge the steel. CBA is still there; every conference and workshop I attend the sharing keeps getting better. Now several of us at the Folsom Forge work together, feeding on each other, sharing methods and pushing each other to keep growing. What could be more fun than that?

Being an architect has helped being a blacksmith because I understand proportion and balance, and I have detailed steel for years. My abilities as an artist are enhanced by my architectural design experience.

Travel has given my art a much wider expression; I’ve seen what other cultures have done, particularly after traveling through Portugal and Spain. From traditional wrought iron work on every historic building to Gaudi’s fanciful steel decoration, iron is an integral part of Iberian architectural history. I’ve found similar inspiration in throughout Europe and Indonesia and China.

I hope to continue working and expanding my art, as it has truly spiced up my life. I hope you enjoy it and perhaps we can do something together.