Selius

Let me say that my beliefs are not aimed at the hobbyist or even the beginner but the "professional", meaning someone taking $ for services.

I could care less about the lineage of said horse head. That's not my point. In a world where everything is at your fingertips, tools, knowledge of technique, the best materials, etc, is it really the best course to take the path of least resistance, copying another's work?

Creativity is one of the main tenants of craft and in this age where things are mass produced and stale I would say its one of the most important. Let's take the whole idea of theft out of the equation for a minute. If you get into the habit of lifting designs then how are you going to figure out that new commission you acquired? I think it's better to learn techniques and then adapt those to your ideas, your style. I don't really like the kind of workshop where all the students make the same thing, I think it stifles the core of learning, --exploration. It's more valuable to the serious student to get the basics, get an idea, and then see if they can make it happen. A lot of times failure results but that is fine. But as beginners we all want to make something that looks cool so the teachers have to teach that straight line so the student feels like they accomplished something. I want it all and I want in now.

And that leads me to my last point. A lot of smiths try to go pro too soon. If you can't make it on your own work maybe you should continue your training and let your style and design sense grow a bit more before you make a go. This is craft, it takes a long time to become proficient. And when we are all copying each other it is the craft that suffers. And the audience.

Hi All,

I'm a very new blacksmith having taken a class locally from a non-profit group that is trying to keep the art going. My question/response to the above is that several of the statements in the class leaned towards the "this is easy and cost effective to be made and sold". So exactly where do you see the beginner ending and the professional beginning? Personally I really love scrolling through the how-to posts from this site and trying things out or going on to etsy, pinterest, or ebay and finding something new. Nothing I make ever comes out looking exactly like what I found, I mean Hell non blacksmiths say "well I can see what you were looking at but................" With that said I plan to find ideas online, make them all winter and then setup a booth in the area and see if my skills can pay for my hobby, instead of sucking money out of my main career continuously. And who knows maybe in the future I can consider myself more than just a hobbyist. 

Do I have the wrong view point?

Selius