• Mark Aspery School of Blacksmithing

     
    Published on 03-29-2010 02:07 PM
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    Attachment 67Mark is a European journeyman blacksmith, currently an Associate of the Worshipful Company of Blacksmiths [A.W.C.B.] established in the United Kingdom in 1325 by Edward-II as a blacksmiths guild.

    Mark currently owns and operates the Mark Aspery School of Blacksmithing based in Springville, California, USA.
    Mark on Mark: "I started to forge metal in the metalwork room of my high school in the UK.     1974,     it was my third year at high school. I developed a great passion for the work, not as one would expect, out of an artistic bent, but out of a love of physically making the steel move. The ability to shape metals at heat, with their plastic like qualities fascinated me. Upon leaving High school I started as a blacksmith with Charles Watts and Sons, Rugby, UK".

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    "It was during this time that I found out that making metal move and controlling the movement are two very separate skills. Not then calling myself an artist, I dabbled in natural forms as I continued with traditional designs. I enjoy the Art Nouveau and the Craftsman styles".


    "As time went on I found myself working for other smiths that had developed a style that was very organic in design, some stylized, some literal. At this time I was exposed to nonferrous metals, such as bronze and copper".


    "My own style now is one of a semi-literal, flowing representation of the natural world. I prefer to use traditional methods of joinery in my commissions, where the design and budget allows".