INSTRUCTOR: ANDREW CHAPMAN, Artist Blacksmith

With power and precision, Andrew Chapman brings an artist's eye to the blacksmith shop. Chapman was introduced to welding while earning his BFA in sculpture at the University of Cincinnati. This gave him his first taste for metal.

He took this knowledge with him to Texas, finding work in a custom metal arts shop focusing on furniture and architectural elements. This began his 10+ year learning and working process that has lead him throughout the country, expanding his experiences as both an artist and a blacksmith. Even the art of tool making has become part of his range of skills. Homes and businesses from Texas and Michigan, from Tennessee to Ohio showcase a variety of Chapman's handy work. Both traditional and modern techniques are used in his process and in turn influence his aesthetic. Most recently he has worked for Oak Hill Iron, Morganton, NC, using the Big Blu power hammer for projects big and small. His artist background and blacksmith practicality stretches the limits of what can be done when a hammer and metal meet.