When I take a hot piece of steel and forge it between a hammer and anvil it becomes something alive full of purpose and beauty.
You decide who will appear in Artforum Magazine, take home $25,000, and display their work at The Art of Elysium's Salon!
Art with a function. As a blacksmith my job is not to create something that is purely decorative. Each of my pieces are made to be of service. If I make something, be it a knife, door handle, or ladle, it's purpose is to preform it's job while adding beauty and character to its surroundings.
Where do you find inspiration?The Spanish culture here in the southwest has a long history of decorating their homes, everyday utensils, and tools with simple and elegant designs that draw inspiration from the mountains, acequias, sunsets and the Catholic churches which are the center pieces of towns and villages. I draw from that as well as the nature that surrounds my home: twisted cedar wood, volcanic rock, deep canyons and life giving rivers.
What would you do with $25,000?My shop and home are totally off-grid so a solar system specifically for my shop would be a huge improvement. My setup is very basic by modern standards. I have an anvil, a forge, a grinder, some hammers and tongs. 25,000$ could help pay for more tools that would greatly ramp up production. I would a top notch website. Invest in some beginner equipment to start giving lessons. And I would take some classes with the masters of the trade.
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