To contact me : 0432118431 or email [email protected]
In 1998 I decided to give up my 'proper job' and pursue a new life of creativity. My first introduction to blacksmithing came as a 2 hour introductory session at university with a tutor showing us how to forge. I fell in love immediately and at the end of my degree in 3 dimensional-design, I joined the British Artists Blacksmith Ass
ociation. Soon after, I joined the committee. My blacksmithing career officially started after I attended the 'New Entrants Training Scheme' in pure forge-work, run by Paul Allen at the Hereford College of Technology. Concurrently, I setup my own business in Somerset. My claim to fame is being the first female to have won the Worshipful Company of Blacksmiths 'Champion Blacksmith' in 2004. Shortly after, I left UK and went to live in Saudi Arabia (my husband was in the RAF) where my blacksmithing career was severely limited until I moved to Perth, Australia in 2008. There I worked part time for blacksmith Antonio Battistessa for 2 years. I adored working for him and could have stayed there forever but my husband’s job decided otherwise and so we moved to Canberra. My nearest blacksmith was Glenn Moon just over an hours drive away, which is where I was introduced to the Iron Corroboree and 'Get hammered.' I set up my own workshop in my garage where I created and sold my wares at the local monthly market. My husband’s job moved again and we spent the next 41/2 Years in Townsville. I had my forge set up in my friend’s garage (we lived in an apartment) and soon after took delivery of my 15kg Anyang power hammer with great excitement. For 18 months I volunteered 1 day/week in an artist studio in return for selling my work, which I thoroughly enjoyed until the owner ended our agreement and so the studio closed. After that I sold exclusively on a monthly artist market and a bi-monthly council run artist market. Another job move relocated us to Newry, Victoria. Here I had a lovely big workshop in an old dairy on a farm surrounded by cows. Another 3 1/2 years on, I’ve relocated back to Townsville and this is where I’m still residing today. I have a 6 x 12 metre workshop which I love. If you’re interested in lessons, then you will find all the information on https://thedrillhallstudio.as.me/Blacksmithing Lessons are held every Wednesday from my home workshop.
