Artist
Growing up in Kakabeka Falls area I have spent almost my whole life in the Thunder Bay area. For the last 14 years I have been fascinated with metal working, studying techniques such as machining, welding and blacksmithing. In 2010 I returned to the Thunder Bay area after spending 3 years on Vancouver Island attending the University of Victoria where a received my degree in mechanical engineering. Prior to University I worked in the trades as an apprentice machinist in both the mining and pulp and paper industry.
Metal Art
I began creating, about two years ago, metal art pieces shortly after I purchased a plasma cutter. I needed to purchase a plasma cutter to complete a job that involved cutting a variety of different materials. I decided to draw some patterns in a piece of plate aluminum. I then decided to cut out a leaf…..and that is where it all started. From there I started experimenting with different grinding techniques to give my pieces the “texture” that they needed. My grinders have become my paint brushes and I now create depth in all of my pieces. I then expanded into heat treatment and quenching techniques to give the metal color. The next step in my creations came when I decided to create scenes using multiple pieces and different types of metals. My customers are my biggest influence, with all of the custom ideas and unique designs. I look forward to learning new techniques and working with people to create new and exciting pieces
Jewelry
I began chainmailing on Vancouver Island following a trip to Alaska where I was inspired to start mailing. Due to my involvement with the SCA (Society of Creative Anachronism) I decided to learn how to make chainmail to wear as armor. After taking apart and reassembling small samples of mail I became captivated. For the last 2 years I have spent my time learning and creating new and intricate weaves to make beautiful jewelry.
I work with almost any material including: silver, stainless steel, tempered aluminum, brass, bronze, copper, gold, niobium and titanium. Every material has different material properties and I enjoy creating custom pieces to suit individual needs. Every chainmail piece is constructed completely by hand one ring at a time which makes every piece very strong and unique.
From chainmaling I began working with thin wire to wrap items to add to the chainmail. Almost all of my wrappings are done with elements of nature including: stones, crystals, drift wood, pearls, shells, antler and even beach glass. I can custom wrap almost anything and enjoy working with people to create beautiful individualized pieces.
Metal Art
I began creating, about two years ago, metal art pieces shortly after I purchased a plasma cutter. I needed to purchase a plasma cutter to complete a job that involved cutting a variety of different materials. I decided to draw some patterns in a piece of plate aluminum. I then decided to cut out a leaf…..and that is where it all started. From there I started experimenting with different grinding techniques to give my pieces the “texture” that they needed. My grinders have become my paint brushes and I now create depth in all of my pieces. I then expanded into heat treatment and quenching techniques to give the metal color. The next step in my creations came when I decided to create scenes using multiple pieces and different types of metals. My customers are my biggest influence, with all of the custom ideas and unique designs. I look forward to learning new techniques and working with people to create new and exciting pieces
Jewelry
I began chainmailing on Vancouver Island following a trip to Alaska where I was inspired to start mailing. Due to my involvement with the SCA (Society of Creative Anachronism) I decided to learn how to make chainmail to wear as armor. After taking apart and reassembling small samples of mail I became captivated. For the last 2 years I have spent my time learning and creating new and intricate weaves to make beautiful jewelry.
I work with almost any material including: silver, stainless steel, tempered aluminum, brass, bronze, copper, gold, niobium and titanium. Every material has different material properties and I enjoy creating custom pieces to suit individual needs. Every chainmail piece is constructed completely by hand one ring at a time which makes every piece very strong and unique.
From chainmaling I began working with thin wire to wrap items to add to the chainmail. Almost all of my wrappings are done with elements of nature including: stones, crystals, drift wood, pearls, shells, antler and even beach glass. I can custom wrap almost anything and enjoy working with people to create beautiful individualized pieces.
Chainmail
Statue of a Gallic warrior in mail.
Chainmail Jewelry is unique, beautiful and strong. Mail was invented some time in the later of the 1st millennium BC, but it is unknown where and by whom it was first used. It may have been invented independently in Japan and in Europe. The earliest European examples known date are in the 2nd century BC, with the oldest examples possibly Etruscan. The Roman Empire first came into contact with mail when it invaded Gaul, and the Roman army soon adopted the technology for their secondary troops in the form of the Lorica Hamata.
Lorica – net or mesh
Hamata – linked rings
Chainmail jewelry can be made from many different patterns and materials. The patterns that are most commonly used are European, Japanese, Persian and Celtic. However there are several completely unique patterns as well.
The patterns are not limited by the material, however certain patterns will be better suited for different use. A person who is generally rough with jewelry and plans to wear the piece everyday would be recommended to have a stronger weave made from a tougher material and vise versa.
Lorica – net or mesh
Hamata – linked rings
Chainmail jewelry can be made from many different patterns and materials. The patterns that are most commonly used are European, Japanese, Persian and Celtic. However there are several completely unique patterns as well.
The patterns are not limited by the material, however certain patterns will be better suited for different use. A person who is generally rough with jewelry and plans to wear the piece everyday would be recommended to have a stronger weave made from a tougher material and vise versa.
References
As most creations come from within there are always ideas are inspired by other artists. I would like to give credit to the following artists that have inspired some of my creations:
- Nichole Hanna – Wire wrapping artist
- Donnie Wanner - Metal artist
- Neil Rose – Metal artist
- Copar Aingeal- Wire wrapping artist
- Achmad Irfan – Wire wrapping artist
- Nichole Hanna – Wire wrapping artist
- Donnie Wanner - Metal artist
- Neil Rose – Metal artist
- Copar Aingeal- Wire wrapping artist
- Achmad Irfan – Wire wrapping artist
