What's behind Methow Metalworks??

More than 55 years ago, I was sitting at the dining room table pretending to do my homework. In reality, I was expanding a doodle that had captured far more of my attention than the assignment in front of me. When my dad walked by, I quickly tried to cover it up, bracing for a lecture about wasting time. Instead, he paused, looked carefully, and said something I’ve never forgotten:

“You have a real talent — you should consider pursuing it.”

Those words stayed with me. Twenty-six years ago, after a brief but pivotal experience at a friend’s open forge night, I finally took his advice. I dropped everything else and committed to learning the blacksmith trade. I spent a year studying, practicing, and refining my skills. On January 1, 2001, I officially opened Methow Metalworks in Twisp, Washington.

While I don’t consider myself a traditional blacksmith, my ornamental ironwork draws heavily from the craft. My original focus was custom lighting — creating functional pieces that felt like sculpture. Over time, I couldn’t resist exploring more: bannisters, gates, coat racks, architectural details, and countless other forms. Mild steel has a way of opening creative doors. The possibilities are endless. I’ve come to realize that I’ll never exhaust the directions this medium offers — and that’s exactly what makes the journey so compelling. For me, this work isn’t just fabrication. It’s exploration. It’s craftsmanship. It’s jewelry for the home.

And the journey is far from over.