Unleash your inner creative fire and learn an ancient art under guidance from an experienced artisan at Talisman Gallery this festive season.
Burgeoning metal artists will create their own piece of art in the 30-minute blacksmithing session on the anvil by beating red hot steel into the shape of a fire poker, decorative wall hook or small sculpture.
Extra decorative elements such as crystals may also be added.
Talisman Gallery metal artist Ron Fitzpatrick of Blackheath said the activity would interest beginners as well as those who had previously taken the Fire Poker Challenge at the gallery, located in the historic woolshed behind Hartley Historic Site.
“Creating metal art is very satisfying. It’s quite physical and people love the fact they can make something with their own hands, which we don’t do a lot of anymore in this modern society.
“It’s an ancient material that comes straight from the earth. That you can make something so beautiful out of something with such strength fascinates me and draws me to it. I think it’s the same for a lot of other people.’’
Fitzpatrick’s artistic journey began in the early 1980s, creating handmade knives and tai chi dancing swords in a small shop in Melbourne, and eventually led him, via Sydney, to the Mountains and Hartley.
He and Lithgow-based metal artist Steve Cunningham will be on hand to guide participants.
“You remove the red hot steel from the fire, bringing it to the anvil you begin to beat the hot metal. You watch as it changes shape, yielding under the blows. Working quickly before it cools, you wrap it around a form into a spiral shape. Before you know it you have created your first piece of metal art.
“So put your phone down and come and make something,’’ Fitzpatrick said.
A great family activity available to anyone aged 13 years and older, the Creative Fire experience will be held daily from December 27 to 30. Cost: fire poker $35, decorative wall hook $40, sculpture $65, additional elements costs vary.
At Hartley Historic Site, Great Western Highway, 10am-5pm Tuesday to Sunday. Details and bookings: Ron 0407 723 722 or www.talismangallery.com.au.