No Walls For The Small

 
 
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I recently reconnected with a dear friend, Julie Merrill of Steel Zebra Metalworks.  She is a one of kind lady, the type of person that when you speak with her you more often than not find the conversation drifting off into another realm where the mind delves into thoughts much bigger than the human brain can handle.  It didn't surprise me at all to learn that she has begun a studying the art of blacksmithing.   In speaking with her, I began to think about how kids today don't have any real life experience when it comes to metal work.  Shop class in high school is a thing of the past, and the sad thing is that working with power tools, or in the case of blacksmithing molten metal is unbelievably empowering.  So I thought maybe I would ask Julie, the Asheville based artisan, a few questions, about her art and what lessons it may have to teach today's youth.  Enjoy!

Tell us a little bit about how you found yourself in the world of the blacksmith?
I started making chain maille jewelry in 2003, while working at a bead store.  It inspired me to take a silversmithing class.  Through silver working experience I was introduced to a blacksmithing continuing education class at our local tech college.  I took the class and was hooked.  Since then, I have attended classes and workshops at Haywood Community College, John C. Campbell Folk School, Penland School of Craft, as well as some workshops in Vermont.  Now I work for a production, artisan jeweler full time, while continuing to pursue my own work.

Blacksmithing is an ancient craft that seems to be enjoying a bit of a revival.  Why do you think it is making a comeback?
I have noticed the revival of many different craft trades, as well as earth-skill trades in recent years.  I guess that these 'handi-works' are returning due to a need for consistent, healthy and positive change in the way we as humans choose to interact with the world.  In pursuit of hand-working trades we move away from dependency on technology that may be diminishing a broader spectrum of knowledge, as well was depleting resources and human experience.  By learning to make the things we need, we establish less dependency on consumer culture and more space for knowledge, creation, and human connection.

There used to be shop class, and mechanics as part of high school curriculum...hands on classes that involve big power tools.  What do you thing youth can gain by learning these trades?
Hands-on trades are highly useful for developing problem solving skills, confidence, imagination, appreciation for resources and material goods.  I can see how "shop classes" are good preparation for potentially changing the world, gaining an understanding of how things work and how to fix them, as well as safety and self-awareness.

How can kids get involved with learning these lost arts?
To get involved in blacksmithing or metalworking you may discover that in most parts of the country there are metal workers that would be willing to share their shops and resources.  Blacksmiths more common in some areas than others, but there is a national blacksmithing organization, Artist Blacksmith Association of North America (ABANA).  There are also various craft schools around the country that offer workshops for the younger folk, as well as community college classes.

Metal work in general is a very powerful experience.  What lessons does metal work in particular have to share with today's youth?
I believe that youth today could benefit by metal work experience by developing confidence respect, humbleness, perseverance, imagination, creativity, independence, physical strength and stamina, and hand-eye coordination.  Blacksmithing is a great skill to have for job opportunity, simply to provide a service to the community at large.  Steel tools break, and folks always need tools and hardware, and insight into the workings of metal.

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Painter, jewelry designer, and mixed media artist...meet Andrea Adair Lasserre.  She has devoted her adult life to sharing her skills as an artist with children and adults alike as a teacher and mentor.  I think art teachers in particular have a unique perspective on children and how their psyches develop.  They open little minds by giving them the tools to express their imagination in a variety of mediums...and imagination is what makes us exceptional animals, don't you think?

1. You have worked with kids in the arts for over a decade.  In your expert opinion, how do you see art as a positive tool in shaping children's lives?
Art gives children an outlet to channel both positive and negative energy.  It also shows them alternative ways of viewing the world around them.

2.  When did you know you were an artist?  How was that part of your self nurtured (or not) during your childhood?
I knew I was passionate about the arts by age 8.  I was comfortable calling myself an artist at age 17.  I surrounded myself with art when I was a child.  At 8, I had my easel, my sewing machine, and a wood burner set up in stations around my bedroom.  I also wrote poetry and loved music.  In retrospect as a child of a single parent household, the art was a very strong part of my self nurturing.

3.  You are a Big Sister, and in Big Brothers Big Sisters program. Tell us a little about the program and how it has changed your life.
I am the luckiest lady alive to have been matched with such an awesome "little."  Her mother has been deployed in the Air Force medic training since school began and she (my little) holds her high, there is not a bit of "poor me" in her step.  She's made honor roll, joined a tennis team, and she is super involved with church.  She has changed my life by helping me keep things in perspective.

4.  As an art teacher, what advice do you have to parents out there to help encourage their children to be creative thinkers?
Creativity is everywhere and in everything we do.  I would start with a sketchbook/journal.  Also, keeping a library of arts oriented books and creating an art"station" somewhere in the home is always helpful in encouraging creativity.

5.  You work in a variety of mediums...a very versatile artist.  Which is your favorite and why?
That is a toughy- I paint, I sew,  I work in metal smithing...I think my favorite would have to be the metals (probably because it is still new to me).  I love it because the concept of pulling the gems out of the earth and bringing them full circle from a jagged looking stone to a beautiful piece of jewelry is amazing to me.

You can see some of Andreas fabulous jewelry, clothing and inspiring artwork at her Etsy.com shop Adair-Lasserre.  Stop by for a visit...I think you will enjoy it!
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