By Yvonne Wright • The Current Contributing Writer
Observably, among the many techniques artists have had at their disposal over the centuries to creatively express themselves, none seems more physically demanding and endurance testing than blacksmithing. The fundamental aspects of hand forging beautiful objects out of metals, and hammering red-hot raw materials into desirable shapes, has at its core undeniable elements of fatigue and hardship. Therefore, to pursue such a calling, an artist needs to be born with a passion for metalworking as hot-burning in the heart as the equivalent skills and strength necessary to wield the tools.
In ancient times, the blacksmithing techniques of heat-treating bronze, wrought iron, or steel to the ideal forging temperatures that allowed metals to become malleable enough to be hand hammered into submission and desirable forms (done quickly, yet carefully to avoid surface cracking), was a closely kept secret for centuries, known only among the initiated.
Whether they were the Hittite, Egyptian or Phoenician craftsmen who first introduced humanity to blacksmithing, eventually the mighty smiths with their fire burning forges could be found working feverishly across the globe and civilizations – fabricating a vast variety of objects needed at the time: from common tools and cooking utensils, to weaponry, horseshoeing and wheelwrighting – only to be outperformed, but not defeated, by the mechanized and often automated manufacturing processes of the Industrial Age.
In recent decades there has been a resurgence of traditional manual blacksmithing workshops in North America and Europe. Artists, in particular, are drawn to the aesthetic possibilities rather than utilitarian components of metal – engaging themselves in a process of three-dimensional conceptualization that also requires a healthy dose of physical labour, preferring to work with the tools and techniques introduced centuries ago, while braving the heat and the sweat of the forge… Concurrently, there are growing numbers of buyers in our modern times that are interested in functional, hand made and unique objects (e.g., wrought iron furniture, decorative railings and gates, wine racks, etc.) inadvertently creating a high contemporary demand for blacksmithing arts.
Coaldale, PA born blacksmith-artist George P. Dennis found his calling in the traditional blacksmithing trade combined with modern methods of manipulating metals after a series of career moves and job related experiences that enabled him to gain a knowledge and fascination with heavy metals. George calls the blacksmithing trade a relaxing and most enjoyable vocation, because it motivates him to channel his inner need for creative expression into beautifully crafted decorative objects and sculptures. “Blacksmithing is my life long passion for ornamental metal work” George explains, that started when I was growing up in Lansford.”
First by watching, then by helping his grandfather John (Jinx) Solack perform various welding and metalworking tasks for local businesses, his early artistic sensitivities didn’t stop there. George credits his mother Kathryn, a student of local artist Queenie Stein of Palmerton, for introducing him to pen and ink drawing, watercolour painting and photography, encouraging her young artist-in-the-making to find his own style. “Oil painting was a big factor when I was young” admits George, “using [my mother’s] oil paints, I eventually found my style of applying the paint in thick layers, known as impasto.”
Intuitively motivated by the pioneering spirit of Pennsylvania’s early days, George has always been interested in self-sufficiency. With a degree in Mechanical Technology, and a certificate in Welding, when it came to learning anything new about the vocation he loved, he even offered to work for free in exchange for this valuable knowledge. It all paid off, and George P. Dennis has became an expert on working with metals, having had a long and fulfilling career in the heavy-duty truck industry that involved among other responsibilities truck repairs, truck driving, and finally, teaching CDL courses at Lehigh County Vocational Technical School.
Working for a living and raising a family have not stopped George from being an artist. Over time, a variety of metal sculptures, tools and ornate designs of leaves and flowers, often embellished with interlaced patterns, began to populate his basement. Needing a more professional space, a “Hephaestus’ cave” of his own, where wrought metalworks could be conceptualized and safely produced, led the artist to buy a property in his home town, and set up a blacksmithing shop with welding and plasma cutting services at Patterson Street in Lansford.
Today, following in the tradition of blacksmith-artist which came before him, George’s workshop is a place where the artist happily spends a great deal of time heating, hammering and welding metal bits into elegantly finished articles, sometimes as delicate as necklaces, forged from a variety of materials like iron, bronze (George’s favourite medium), copper and brass.
“My metal pendants, penannular brooches, ornamental tools, and sculptures portray objects as I interpret them [explains the artist] with most ideas taken from nature. Ideally, these pieces will inspire young men and women to express themselves through art. Hopefully my work can be appreciated for many decades by future generations.” And appreciated they shall be for their superb craftsmanship and originality, finding their way into people’s hearts. The artist’s works are currently displayed at “Myst” restaurant in Jim Thorpe, “The Arts Barn” in Schuylkill Haven, and “This N That Finds U” vintage store in Palmerton.
George is an active member of several professional associations: The Artist Blacksmith Association of North America (ABANA) and the Pennsylvania Artist Blacksmiths’ Association (PABA), as well as the Carbon County Art League (CCAL), where he took on the role of the League’s Co-Secretary. George P. Dennis is also a founder of DFS Designs – Metal Work with Serious Innovation company.
Many contemporary blacksmith-artists are renowned for their work and featured in prestigious art galleries, museums and public places around the globe. The individuality of their signature styles is what attracts big collectors and local buyers alike. Most of all, these hand made products exemplify time-enduring aesthetics that speak of human ingenuity, perseverance and strength. The artist can be contacted here: dfsdesignspa@gmail.com, or dfsdesigns.net.
Yvonne Wright is the owner of STUDIO YNW
at 100 West Broadway in Jim Thorpe.
She can be reached at studio.ynw@gmail.com
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