[TheForge] Old Anvils - Revisited

[gblacksmith]

Aaron:  It sounds like you are on the right track and have been thinking of
this for some time.

I know nothing of the University of Illinois, Carbondale program.  Is it
specifically blacksmithing, or art generally?

Regarding the recognition of one credential/school  over another, I believe
that formal instruction in blacksmithing is so new to the traditional
academic scene that it will take some time for graduates of these programs
to influence the movement.  What appears to be taking place is the
increasing influence of "artists" vs. "traditional smiths" in blacksmithing.
However, there will always be innovators who are on the cutting edge of
design and technique.

    Most of the teachers in the early days (1970s &1980s) were the more
traditional smiths.  the "artists" seem to have brought a different sense of
aesthetics to the craft, while the traditionalists have continued to
emphasize the "old ways."  Both approaches have great value.

One area of study that will be of great value to you is ferrous and
non-ferrous metallurgy.  I was lucky to have had instruction by Karl
Schroen, who has been making blades for 40 years.  His first admonishment to
me was to "know the material."  This has influenced my smithing ever since.

A firm understanding of the materials, and of all forms of  welding, be it
forge, gas or electric, will put you in good stead.

I'm sure you will do well....please feel free to contact me anytime if I can
be of help.

                                        Grant Marcoux
----- Original Message -----
From: "Aaron R Williams" <roscoe721@juno.com>
To: <theforge@mailman.qth.net>
Sent: Tuesday, April 08, 2003 10:20 PM
Subject: Re: [TheForge] Old Anvils - Revisited


>
> 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
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