Today we’d like to introduce you to John Lovin.
Hi John, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I started doing traditional blacksmith work 42 years ago, using traditional tools, an anvil, tongs, hammers, and a coal forge. I have always been drawn to the historical aspects of traditional crafts and how folks used them to supply the items needed for everyday life. By exploring this area of metal work, I have always made practical items like hinges, door handles, candle holders, fireplace tools, and anything needed on a homestead 2oo years ago. Today, my wife Beth and I continue to operate Auxier Creek Forge, producing special order forge work and stock items we always keep for sale.
It wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Blacksmithing is a labor-intensive craft, so we must educate our customers on each product’s timing, cost, and design. We do not try to compete with mass-produced ironwork but rather that niche where the customer desires something handmade wants to be involved with the design and appreciates handmade work.
Let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
As an Artist/Blacksmith, I strive to hit the bullseye of design and function. My ironwork is made to do a job but should be designed to utilize the strength and beauty of iron. That is the goal of every project. Your eye is the best critic; it will tell you when you’ve hit that bullseye.
So, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you before we go? How can they support you?
We enjoy working with customers to take their designs to fruition. This usually takes educating the customer on what the steel can do, the inherent strength, and what traditional tools and techniques can provide.
Pricing:
- When completing a project that specifies traditional joinery, such as forge welding or riveting, vs. modern welding techniques, the customer understands that time is money. But usually, the design dictates the process.
