ABOUT THE 2010 CONFERENCE
Our approach to the conference demonstration and the pre-conference class will be a little different this year. The reason is we couldn’t decide on a direction for either. Brian Brazeal, this years demonstrator, is far too talented for us to limit what we want to see and learn from him so we will try to do it all. We have had the opportunity to spend a lot of time with Brian lately and have come to the realization that time spent in the forge with him is truly and education. Brians’ perspective on moving metal is unique and his willingness to share with others is a quality he possesses in abundance. We have watched and participated in Brian making three dimensional horse heads, hammers, throwing axes, trivets, stylized birds, squids, chisels, cut-off hardies, numerous anvil and treadle hammer tools, copper and silver and metal jewelry (rings, earrings and bracelets), door pulls even his “one heat taper” is something any blacksmith should see and understand and learning his “forge welding the bundle” techniques is a must.
So, why put limits on where we go with our time with Brian. In the class, before the conference, Brian will demonstrate some of the things I have mentioned above, after that we will try our hands at the techniques. We will have two days in the forges to learn what interests us, we choose. Brian appears to be indefatigable, I don’t believe you can tire him out if there is a forge fire burning so get rested before the class.
I do not believe that it is an exaggeration to say that the time you spend in this class will improve your blacksmithing ability beyond anything you have experienced yet. This class is limited to the first twelve people to get their money to the MFC. Don’t miss this opportunity, it is a lot cheaper than traveling out of state.The conference demonstration will afford the same opportunity to see Brian work but without the opportunity for the “hands-on” experience.
For an advance look at Brians’ work go to http://www.myspace.com/brazealbrothers You will see plenty that interests you, also, keep in mind that Brian is willing to teach private lessons at his shop in Brandon or at the AG Museum in Jackson. His metal art, hammers and tooling are also for sale. He can be reached at 559-679-4106, Karen, Brian's wife and social director, can be reached at 559-303-8502.
If you would like to see what has been happening with the Mississippi Forge Council lately go to http://picasaweb.google.com/LDWynn The photos on Lyle Wynn's site include hundreds detailing the work Brian does, as he is doing it. There is a lot to be learned just looking at Lyle’s pictures.
The Mississippi Forge Council would like to invite you to experience some southern hospitality at our conference on Memorial Weekend, the weekend before the ABANA Conference in Memphis, TN. We are only 200 miles from Memphis and it is a straight shot on I-55.
The trip will be worth it if just for the wine and cheese, show and tell, iron in the hat party on Friday night, May 28.
Y’all come on down now, you’ll be glad you did.