I’ve got to admit, I was really impressed. Anybody that can take a hunk of metal – or any material, for that matter – and turn it into something functional, elegant and unique earns my respect right off the bat.
And the January meet up of the Alex Bealer Blacksmith Association (ABBA) in Atlanta, Ga. was full of people exactly like that. The ABBA is a non-profit based in Atlanta who’s goal is to “increase the knowledge and appreciation of the Craft of Blacksmithing, promote the study of its many technologies, and to continue it as an active Craft.” Full disclosure here, my step-dad Kevin Daniell has been a member for a number of years.
Each month, they meet and work on a project, or “challenge.” For january, the challenge was a pair of shutter locks (something like this). And each month there’s a different host.
The January host was notable sculpter and metal worker Andrew T. Crawford of Atlanta. At his workshop in West Midtown, Andrew employs 4 full-time metalworkers, churning out everything from light fixtures to gates to works of art. In many respects, he blurs the line between art and functionality.
Even with the family connection, it’s sad to say, this was the first meet-up I’d ever made. One thing’s for sure, though. I can’t wait to catch the next one.
The best part? It’s free and open to the public.
Check out all the photos of the blacksmithing meet-up, if you’d like. Here’s some of my favorites:
More photos at: http://www.claydudaphotography.com/Hobbies/Alex-Bealer-Jan-2012/
