I first trained as a silversmith at Sheffield College of Art and in the last few months at college I discovered the Japanese technique of fusing non-ferrous metals. This technique, known as mokume gane, would become my passion and ultimately lead me down a totally different career path to the one I had planned for myself. My research into the subject uncovered articles partially about mokume, but more often covering a similar process using ferrous metals known as pattern welded or Damascus steel. It wasn't long before I tried my hand at this second technique, leading me into the realms of blacksmithing.

I joined the British Artists Blacksmiths Association and over the next few years split my time working as a silversmith / jeweler and learning the art of the blacksmith, concentrating on developing skills in the fusion techniques. After several years of attending numerous blacksmithing events, forge-ins and shows along with many an hour at the anvil, I was greatly honored to be awarded the status of "Master Blacksmith" by the Worshipful Company of Blacksmiths, becoming the first ever non-apprentice trained blacksmith to be awarded a Bronze medal and become a fellow of the company, (FWCB). By being one of the few blacksmiths specializing in these slightly obscure techniques, I have become known for these skills within the profession. This recognition has resulted in colleges contracting me to develop and teach both

short courses and a master class on the subject both in this country and abroad.

In addition to running these short classes I have regularly been asked to demonstrate in a far more informal way at various blacksmithing events throughout the UK. Europe and the USA. These more informal events have been exceptional, it's great to learn, but to pass on your discoveries has to be one of the best feelings in life, not only is it very rewarding but it can also open many an exciting door.

In October 2002 I demonstrated the mokume technique in France, during the event I was approached by some of the members of a small arts group based in Marseille, and asked if I would like to join them. I was delighted to find that this group has been formed with a mixture of blacksmiths and bronze casters to collaborate and work together to further each other’s disciplines and hopefully develop new and inventive approaches towards metalwork. This adventure to Marseille was one of the turning points in my approach towards metalworking and the way I wanted to work. I talked at length with a fellow blacksmith from near Nice , Frank Rougeaud , he explained a dream he had of being able to work using just one tool and we weighed up the pros and cons of each tool in our tool box to see which one we thought it would be , naturally we decided that it would be virtually impossible to achieve this dream but the notion stuck and to this day I am constantly reevaluating my tool kit and the way I work, moving ever closer to this dream.