I am seeking a new position...

After more than twenty years in manufacturing it is time for me to branch out! I have been involved with several companies at a management level and have contributed significantly to their creative and technical reputations. I have been involved at all levels within these companies and have maintained a professional level of craftsmanship throughout. I have been responsible for the design, pattern making, mould making, machining and finishing of a large number of products for the brewery, point of sale and decorative industries.

I feel it is now time for me to spread my proverbial wings and tackle a new career head on. My aim would be to work in the field of visual arts, in a capacity that would give me a degree of control over the creative process. If anyone reading this has the ability or the contacts to help me achieve this please contact me via this blog. All of the work on these posts below was handcrafted by me. Many thanks for taking the time to look.

Craftsmanship or bad example?

The picture below is my first stumbling venture into the timeless traditional craft of knife making. Since the dawn of time humans have fashioned tools for everyday living. As with many things these skills have evolved into a complex and diverse set of disciplines which I am endeavoring to participate in.

When I first saw some of the modern knife makers art I was astonished at the level of skill and abilities required to produce these magnificent items. I got straight down to work hunting down the raw materials to make my own. Not having access to a forge or a metal workshop I decided to start by buying an already manufactured blade to which I was going to attempt to craft the handle. With materials on their way I eagerly set about making the necessary preparations to begin work. The next day the blade arrived, neatly packaged, and I tore it open to reveal the polished glint of steel. It was only then that it dawned on me, like someone leaving a darkened room into the bright sun, that this was a weapon....

This may seem at first naive, but I was so caught up in the design and craftsmanship involved that I failed to see the obvious. It was also at this time of receiving the blade that it came on the television news that yet another young person had lost their life to knife crime here in England.

All through the making of this piece I felt a tangible unease as if I was doing something wrong. the question I suppose that I am putting to you here is...

Am I potentially contributing to the glorification of weapons in society by posting pictures of my work on the Internet? (Even though, I might add, this knife will stay locked away now until I find a responsible adult collector to pass it on to.)

Or can I feel safe in the knowledge that a weapon is 'in the eye of the beholder' so to speak. in other words if you intend something to be a weapon it becomes one whatever it might be.

If you have any thoughts on this please leave a comment.

Craftsman