Blacksmithing is an ancient art, with an unbroken history of perhaps three and a half millennia. Because of the material’s great strength, and the tremendous difficulty of smelting and forging it, iron was considered a noble metal, on par with silver and gold. It was used for both ritual and functional purposes. As a contemporary blacksmith, I am aware of the rich history of metal and craft. Using traditional techniques, I forge a connection with those ancient masters. My work reflects the blending of symbol, spirit, and substance that marked iron's early history.