|
 I
am a Blacksmith and Sculptor from Peterborough, Ontario, specializing
in hand-forged sculptural and architectural iron.
Utilizing a blend of traditional and modern metal-forming
and design techniques, I can create a wide array of beautiful,
functional and unique objects for the home or any setting.
I
was born in Scarborough, Ontario in 1984. When I was four my
family moved to the small village of Marmora, east of Peterborough.
After high school I attended the Sheridan College Institute of
Technology and Advanced Learning in the Art Fundamentals program.
While studying at the Sheridan, I discovered
that my path lay in 3-dimensional art. After successfully completing
the Art Fundamentals program, I decided to try something new
and take a break from the fast-paced city life. I enrolled in
the Artist Blacksmith program at the Haliburton School of the
Arts. Here I trained under two well-known Canadian blacksmiths
Sandra Dunn and Rene Petitjean. My classmates and I studied traditional
and modern forging techniques, how to make blacksmithing tools,
Technical shop drawing, the history and origins of blacksmithing
and much more. I excelled with a newfound appreciation for the
plasticity and beauty of metal and created a number of functional
and decorative pieces of ironwork. Following the intensive Artist
Blacksmith course I enrolled in the Figurative and Representational
Sculpture program. It was the first of its kind in Canada and
it too was offered at the Haliburton School of the Arts. The
course focused heavily on anatomical studies and sculptural realism.
The history of sculpture, life drawing, and mould making/casting
and specialized techniques were also components. I enjoyed working
with the new materials and techniques and am now working to harmonize
this blacksmithing and sculpture experience.
I have since worked from my backyard shop in
Marmora Ontario, creating a quantity of ironwork for new timber-frame
homes and other residential settings. Recently I have been focusing
on door hardware, lighting fixtures and custom tools. Now living
in Peterborough Ontario, I hope to begin some more sculptural
projects and set up a new shop in the area where I can continue
to produce quality hand-forged ironwork. |
