[TheForge] Peter Ross speech

[Chuck Robinson]

Over the years I have been lucky enough to see the iron work of many 
smith's, in several countries.
Some times even able to see the smiths at work and talk to them.
Very few smith's looked like THOR
Their shops ranged is size and complexity from the one square block mega 
complex at the Yokosuka Navy Base, to Chuck Patrick's small shed in 
North Carolina.
Their tools and techniques varied widely. and the finished work varied 
from high art, to  functional daily use items.

To paraphrase Justice Stewart Potter- Great iron work is complex and 
difficult to define, but I know it when I see it.

When I look at good work I feel that the smith put a piece of his soul 
into it.

Some of the finest work is in the Cathedrals in Europe and the National 
Cathedral in D.C.

When ever I need my batteries recharged, since D.C. is too far off, I 
drive to Laurel, MS
The lumber baron Wallace Rogers,  had the Lauren Rogers Museum built in 
Laurel, MS as a memorial, after his son  Lauren's untimely death.
  He contracted with Samuel Yellin to forge the museums interior iron work.
Yellin and his crew set up their equipment on the front lawn of the 
Rogers mansion. The iron work there  Is well worth several visits.

In my opinion your mind is your most important tool, closely followed by 
your muscle memory.

When Michelangelo's patron was concerned because he just stared at a 
huge block of marble for several months, Michelangelo said he was working.
A few months later he created the statue of David.
Chuck