L O R E L E I S I M S
Charleston, Illinois
www.blacksmithchic.com
Lorelei discovered blacksmithing after her formative years studying sculpture and metalsmithing at Eastern Illinois University. In 1993 she opened Five Points Blacksmith Shop and immediately realized she needed a lot more training; she found that with Elmer Roush in North Carolina and spent six months with him learning the basics. Today, Lorelei specializes in creating hand-forged ironwork for just about any place under the sun - both in scope of projects and client location. Public art installations can be viewed at the Omaha Botanical Gardens, Fordham University, Eastern Illinois University, and the Illinois Lincoln Log Cabin State Historic Site. Directly influenced by the work of her great-grandfather Soren Zachariesson, a seventh generation coppersmith from Denmark, Lorelei dedicates the majority of her work towards functional use. Her primary creative interest is studying botanical forms, reproducing them in iron, and then incorporating them into utilitarian art pieces.
Lorelei is the author of "The Backyard Blacksmith – Traditional Techniques for the Modern Smith", an introductory blacksmithing text written for the novice who has always had an interest in the craft, but is unsure where to start. At this year's conference, Lorelei taught two beginning class sessions in the U-Forge area. She covered some of the basic blacksmithing techniques presented in her book – fundamentals which can be used to create useful items for your home, garden, and gift giving.
Information about the book and a portfolio of her work can be viewed at www.blacksmithchic.com.
HANDS-ON BEGINNER INSTRUCTION
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