To take iron and steel and form it into a a flowing beautiful work of art is one thing that just makes me question the authenticity of my own work at times.
I recently came upon the work of David Norrie. Bridging that gap between efficient design and fine art are craftsmen like David who take the concept of functional and make it beautiful.
Norrie is a self-taught blacksmith and his initial introduction to the craft began in 1973 with a 3 year internship at the Black Creek Pioneer Village located outside of Toronto, Canada.
In 1976 Norrie opened his first studio in Tottenham, Ontario - located 30 minutes from Toronto. His primary goal at the time was to finesse the basic blacksmithing skills he had learned and spent the next two years doing historical ironwork related to museums and restoration.
David went to his first ABANA (Artist Blacksmith Association of North America) conference in 1978. While in New York, he realized for the first time that blacksmithing was an art form and rededicated himself to the profession.
From 1990 to 1992, David was on the Board of Directors for ABANA.
In 1995 he moved to Jackson, Wyoming under an O1 United States Work Visa which is granted for those working in the arts and humanities fields. David is the first artist recognized by the United States government for “blacksmithing as his medium”.
There has been a decline in true blacksmiths over the last century, but it is coming back in part only because of the few who have passed on the knowledge of their field. David Norrie is doing just that. He’s opened workshops and is teaching the next generation of metal workers a trade that isn’t just about what you can make, but what you can make beautiful.
Check out David Norrie’s site and work. I found the railings particularly amazing in the gallery.
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My passions in life are my family, my relationship with God, creativity and expressionism. This blog, decloned, reflects those passions. My belief is that all true creativity comes from the Creator first and foremost.
