November Show & Quadstate

Well, it is time again for me to get it together and plan another show at the Studio. I'm looking at a date in mid-November and for any who are interested in participating or in coming to see what goes up on the walls you can either check here, or contact me at elfworks@sympatico.ca

Since the last post I've had a booth at the Scotiabank AIDS walk marketplace, made a number of new pieces, (masks, lanterns and jewellery), and been down to Troy, Ohio for that wonderful gathering of Smiths and Goods - Quadstate. This year was a great year for tools! There were more anvils and handcrank blowers and post vices than I ever thought I'd see gathered in one place. I managed to get a couple of great deals which will be a welcome addition to the shop, many thanks to my talented friend David Robertson.

For those of you who are interested in Smithing, David runs a fantastic subscription service - he sends out monthly newsletters full of information, tips and tricks. Check out his website at www.artistblacksmith.com for more details. As a subscriber there are also some discounts to be had on some fantastic things...even if you are not a smith, his site is worth a look - he has some incredible pieces that he has created to awe and inspire.

The gallery at this year's Quadstate was both inspiring and a little intimidating. The quality of the work was extremely high and some of the work was really thought provoking. Not only the high standard of craftsmanship, but the way in which things were put together and the ways in which metal were used shows a real renaissance in this art form. It is really amazing what can be done by hammer and by hand with a medium that seems like it should be so much more unforgiving.

Not only were there wonderful pieces by artists I had not seen before, but there were some great pieces by old friend which showed a fresh new direction and perspective. One such artist that comes to mind is Dan Nickels of Blackrock Forge in Michigan. It was great to see Dan again, but it was really inspiring to see how his work is changing and to see how much he has grown, yet again.

As always it was great fun to see so many friends, old & new. It always makes me laugh that almost the only time I manage to see most of my Ontario blacksmithing friends we are all at some gathering in the U.S. Of course, this is my own fault. Ontario is a big province, and as comprehensive as the TTC may be, it certainly isn't going to take me to the nooks and crannies of the province.

If time permits over the next few weeks I hope to get into a bit more detail on some of the various things I've done and seen over the past months, as well as some of the things which are coming up. You can always look for updates on our Facebook page if you find yourself trolling that social network, and remember if you have any questions you can reach us via email at any time.

Back Again

Hello friends
I'm back again after a long absence. It has been a long full year with many ups and downs which have kept me away from my computer.

The art show last September at the Mango Lounge was a great success. The space looked fantastic and the art was incredible. Many thanks to all those who made it possible, especially my fantastic team of Kelly Anne, Chandra-Li and Corey. And thanks to all those who volunteered their time and efforts...too many to name, but some of note being the Orangutan, James and David.

The Grave Goods show at the Woodstock Museum had so much fantastic work in it, many thanks to Darrell for the honour of my participation and for putting it all together and making it happen.

Since the Not Just A One Trick Pony show it has, admittedly been a bit of a quiet time on the public front for Elfworks. But it has been a busy time in the background. The smith-y is built, there is some new equipment, lots of new direction and knowledge to build on.

May saw another wonderful conference in Buffalo as the New York State Designer Blacksmiths hosted another Great Lakes International Ironfest. Some really fantastic presenters and lots of great people made it another fun and informative gathering....always worthwhile!

In June I was a proud participant in the Toronto Nautical Festival, as the blacksmith demonstrating down at Harbourfront. Rick and the gang put on a great festival full of everything from swashbuckling pirates juggling wicked looking blades to masterful artisans demonstrating their craft, like Adam Smith's incredible leatherwork and Len Heidebrecht demonstrating the craft of the cooper.

As the blacksmith I was especially pleased to meet some of the crew of the Empire Sandy and glad to make them some hooks to haul in their anchor chain with. The Empire Sandy is a gorgeous tallship with beautiful lines and a fantastic crew that sails out of the Toronto Harbour - for those of you who like the water and the fantastic vessels that glide through and over it you should keep your eyes open for next year's Nautical Festival - it promises to be even bigger and better than this year!

July is proving to be a full and busy month, and August promises to be the same. I look forward to keeping up with updates on our upcoming shows and ventures. This is going to be a big year for Elfworks, and I hope that it will be as big and as fantastic a year for all of you! Enjoy the summer!