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Born in Queensland's heritage heartland of Longreach, Alan was perhaps
destined to forge his career in the traditional craft of blacksmithing.
A third-generation ironworker, he can't remember not having a design-and-build
project in hand even from childhood days.
Alan's professional career began in the traditional
way of the 60's in heavy engineering, forming an appreciation of
iron's versatility and qualities of strength and longevity for any
application. A lifelong passion for inventing and a natural talent
for meticulous craftsmanship swayed Alan's interest back to the
time-honoured tools of forge, anvil and hammer. Home in the semi-rural
environment of Logan Village just outside Brisbane often provides
flora and fauna for inspiration in the decorative motifs incorporated
in Alan's finely detailed forging. His engineering background trademarks
the sound design and construction of his ironwork.
Alan
has honed his skills at the John C. Campbell Folk School in North
Carolina, the foremost school for blacksmithing in the U.S.A. Through
the biennial conferences hosted by ABANA (Artist-Blacksmith's Association
of North America), he has also been able to study the techniques
of some of the world's best-known smiths.
Membership
of Craft Queensland, the Contemporary Furniture Designers' Association
and various Blacksmiths Associations throughout Australia, Britain
and the U.S.A. keep Alan up to date with current design trends throughout
Australia and overseas.
With
a special interest in promoting traditional blacksmithing skills,
Alan is working to ensure their preservation by conducting regular
classes in basic techniques. The lack of readily available resources
in Australia led to designing and building his own brand of electric
forge and establishing a supply of tools and reference material
for all levels of smithing.
Commendations:
Winner: Dame Mary Durack Outback Craft Award in Blacksmithing
1995
Guest Artist: Redland Art and Craft Festival 1996
Feature Blacksmith: "Celebrating Queensland" Heritage
Festival 1997
Winner: Royal Queensland Show - Blacksmith's Exhibit 1997
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