Artist Statement

Carl’s an artistic blacksmith and bladesmith, with a passion for heritage crafts. Using traditional blacksmithing techniques, he hand-forges a range of both practical and sculptural items from plain steel. He enjoys experimenting with different processes to create his pieces, which are often inspired by the natural world.

As an accomplished bladesmith, he prides himself in designing and creating beautiful but practical knives, predominately using the Damascus or pattern welded technique. With the proper care, these will last a lifetime and provide a unique heirloom piece.

Although currently living in Yorkshire, Carl was born and raised in Derby and during his apprenticeship at British Rail he had a broad training in all engineering trades. He initially specialised in wood work before rediscovering his love of metal work and developing his skills as a blacksmith and bladesmith. He has showcased his metal work at various artisan events across the country, often providing blacksmithing demonstrations using his portable coke forge. Some of the Derbyshire venues he’s attended over the years include Haddon Hall, Staunton Harold, and the Melbourne and Belper Arts Trails. He is delighted to join Derbyshire Open Arts for this first time this year.

Carl welcomes commissions and in his words “I enjoy a challenge when it comes to practical tasks, the range of things I’ll have a go at making are limited only by the size of my forge, my current workload and whether it’s a realistic project!”