Smyth Boone

August 31, 2005

~Artist Biography~ 

Smyth Boone is an eighteenth generation blacksmith, a family legacy that goes back to the time of the Vikings. Smyth combines his inherent blacksmithing skills with the versatile design talents of Robin A. Boone. The unique arrangement of Smyth’s internationally recognized forging skills and Robin’s complex designs combine to form one of the strongest unions in the field of contemporary ironwork.

Unique designs and talented forgings have led to many notable publications of Smyth’s work that can be seen in books, magazines, and on the internet. Smyth’s work has also been featured in international invitational art museum shows that highlight contemporary blacksmithing. Smyth has presented public and trade lectures on the art and craft of contemporary and historical blacksmithing. Smyth and Robin share their skills with the blacksmithing communities throughout the United States and Canada by teaching at blacksmith conferences, art and craft schools, and by publishing many articles on design and technique.

~Artist’s Statement~

“The artist blacksmith has a unique variety of forging techniques that are specific to the craft of blacksmithing.  Forged textures, joinery, forge welding, and the ability to transform metal are some examples. In my work, I highlight these many techniques through composition and execution of a project. The resulting effect expresses harmony of design and function with regard to the integrity of the medium.”

~selected publications~

A Heritage in Iron by Rafael Routson, Double Shoe Cattle Company 2004

 The Contemporary Blacksmith Dona Z. Meilach, Schiffer Publishing Limited 2000

~selected periodicals~

The Anvil's Ring (the quarterly publication of the Artist Blacksmith's Association of North America), Architectural Digest, Anvil Magazine, Colorado Creative Living, Mountain Living, and Colorado Homes and Lifestyles.

~selected art gallery exhibits~

the invitational Contemporary American Blacksmith’s Exhibit at the Kentucky Museum of Arts and Crafts spring 2005

 the invitational Ancient Futures: The Art of the Blacksmith at the Third Millennium at the Nova Scotia Centre for Craft and Design 2001

featured artist at the Spring Show 2005 at Abend Fine Art Gallery in Denver, Colorado

~selected demonstrations~

1998 Artist Blacksmith's Association of North America Bi-annual Conference in Asheville, N.C.

International CanIron2 Conference in Saskatchewan, Canada 2002

25th anniversary of California Blacksmith's Association 2004