Steve Berry
In 1999 I entered a gallery showcasing functional blacksmithing. I was inspired by the form and function of the work. This visit motivated me and so I began creating and designing pieces of work from my own ideas. After working on some of my creations, through trial and error, I started seeing improvement but was not fully satisfied. I then attended a blacksmithing class at John C. Campbell Folk school, which further improved my technique and the quality of my work.
To create one of my pieces I heat a piece of mild steel using a forge until it is malleable. I then shape the steel using various jigs, tongs, hammers and a tapering machine. I custom built my own tapering machine as well as different jigs. The piece is then cooled at room temperature. Then a wire brush is used to clean the metal surface. Lastly, the piece is sprayed using a clear lacquer to enhance the lustre and detail of the work.
My goal is to create a unique, tasteful, and functional piece of art, which may be enjoyed for a lifetime and for generations to come. Each piece is unique and can not be duplicated exactly. The only limitation is the lack of imagination...
