About me  

 

From a young age I have been practical, always making things from plasticine or Lego developing  strong kinaesthetic skills. At school I under achieved due to my dyslexia, and because there  wasn't  much in the way of  craftsmanship and hands on practical work being taught, I became bottom of the class struggling to understand academic work.

Some may say it was just a coincidence that I then prayed to Jesus for a career that will use the best of my skills and the perfect job then captured my attention, Blacksmithing. I had a week’s work experience with Steve Cooper a traditional iron worker and I loved every minute. I then became a student at the National School of Blacksmiths  in the Hereford Holmelacy college of rural crafts. It was slow to start with but began to learn the skills from the excellent tuition of my tutors,  who could engage with the way I learn and push and motivate me to achieve goals I didn't think I could.

 

At the end of the first year I was presented with the award for outstanding achievement and awarded the Harry Skinner trophy for best smith. I then won the live forging competition at the three counties show, competing against forty other students from my own college and Warwickshire college. Then following the second year I was presented the award for best practical student and my 'Insectoid' sculpture was awarded 2nd at the Royal York, 3rd at the Royal Welsh and 4th at the Three Counties show. During my final year I was awarded the top practical student once more and alterations made to my bug gained 2nd prize at the three counties My final piece 'equos' has yet to be entered for top smith as I circle the the shows in 2010.

 

Meanwhile after completing my education, it was through Gods grace I was offered a workshop to rent, the previous owner having been Dave Bissel, a known blacksmith who had also studied at the same college. Dave Bissel sadly passed away and in his honour his wife, Ros Bissel, decided to keep the workshop open for the use of other smiths, which I am proud to be working in.

 

In my my work I strive to create craftsmanship quality work that is unique, that isn't mass produced from a factory abroad, I try to make my work react with its surroundings and so belongs to the place it was designed for, custom made for its owner. I am an artist and just like a painting, my style and the way I work portrays something of my personality that will stay alive longer than I will.

 

I want to say a special thank you to all those who have taught, provided, helped and encouraged me to be who I am now and thank you God for being a great dad I've never had. Without you all I would not have achieved what I have today.