Ever met a blacksmith before?

It's a dying trade that's for sure. But there's a small band of passionate 'Smithies' who keep the tradition alive today.

David Graham from Simply Forged Custom Ironworks is one of them.  

In Ep.5 of the Surf Coast Creatives podcast, we sit down for a chat with Dave, a former chippy who got frustrated with the same old building techniques. 

Dave now uses traditional methods combined with a keen eye for detail to create works that are unique, high quality and custom-made.

Specialising in heritage restoration and sculpture, Dave approaches each project with enormous care and the end result in mind. He's a master!

His unique practice explores the potential of contemporary blacksmithing. He evaluates and extends the possibilities of forging hot steel in a constant attempt to shift objects from a, "purely utilitarian beginning to a wholly re-imagined future state."

Dave is inspired by organic shapes, the ocean and the beach. He's an avid surfer too and made the move from the Northern suburbs of Melbourne to pursue a better lifestyle.

Dave has been refining his craft for more than 20 years, engaging multiple mentors and many sources of inspiration.

He's now been a resident artist at Ashmore Arts for 5 years where he has collaborated on numerous commissions for both private and corporate clients.

Find out what makes him tick and how he made the big leap from construction to blacksmithing.

Here's Ep.5 of the Surf Coast Creatives podcast with your hosts Ben & Jess.

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