[TheForge] Old Anvils - Revisited

[Aaron R Williams]

I just wanted to say thank you to those that responded to my questions

> Regarding schooling, there is no substitute for hands-on practice.  
> Most
> formal education in the US is of the seminar type given over 
> weekends.
> There is one accredited school in North America at Sir Sandford 
> Fleming
> College in Ontario, Canada.  I attended that 14 week course (full 
> time) and
> found it most useful as drawing, design and portfolio design were 
> covered.
>

Also to Mr. Marcoux,
I understand that schooling is no substitute for hands-on practice.  I
practice when I can afford to buy supplies.  My employment situation has
not been the best.  Hence the reason for looking for an institution that
I could get financial aid threw.  I have looked at that program that you
mention I am looking in to getting funding.  Do you know any thing on the
program at Southern Illinois University Carbondale.

I am currently enrolled in the art program at the University of Southern
Colorado.  I will be taking similar classes to those that you mention
this next semester.  The art program here does not have any blacksmithing
I am taking it in hopes of transferring to the Blacksmithing program at
Southern Illinois University Carbondale.
 

> I would strongly recommend joining ABANA and your state 
> blacksmithing
> organization.  Also read. build a library and attend meetings and
> conferences where you can meet other smiths.  You can save a great 
> deal of
> time and trial and error by listening to the experiences of other 
> smiths.
> You will find most of them to be very generous with their time and
> knowledge.

I am a student member of ABANA.  I have looked in to my states
blacksmithing organization.  It holds its meetings in the northern part
of the state and at this time I have no means of attending do to
conflicting schedules and the distance to travel in relation to my
income.  When I do have spare funding it goes to books.  I have way more
books on different aspects of smithing than school books on my shelves.

 
> As for acceptance, no school credential can substitute for top 
> quality
> workmanship.  Schools are a foundation for learning....you have to 
> have a
> passion for this work in order to undertake the years-long learning 
> process
> required.

I understand that credentials are no substitute for workmanship but
sometimes credentials show the quality of the instruction given by an
institution.  I have been teaching myself this art since I was 13.  I
have built 2 cole forges, now I am trying to figure out gas forges and
might attempt to build one this summer along with school and my part time
job.  Made my first anvil from a rail road tie.  My second my brother
bought for me and like I said I am in the process of trying to buy the
petter wright  
 
> I'm a full time smith and smithing instructor in CA.  If I can be of 
> help to
> you, please contact me.
> 
>                                         Grant Marcoux

I hope that we can talk sometime Mr. Marcoux

Aaron 
Pueblo, CO