We are pleased to feature a guest artist, with a very different slant on artistic creation. Introducing Jesse Yancey, White Rabbit Fine Art Gallery’s resident Blacksmith. I had never met a blacksmith before Jesse arrived at our gallery, and was amazed at the talent it takes to forge metal into such unique items.
Jesse takes cold metal; copper, steel and aluminum, and, using a forge to heat to a temperature of 1,500 degrees, forms it into beautiful knives, tools and keepsakes. Mr. Yancey describes himself as a self taught Blacksmith. He states “I wanted a way to use forgotten and discarded pieces of metal, to give them new life by creating beautiful art.” Blacksmithing has offered him a means to do just that.
Jesse has always had a strong work ethic, taught by his father. Of his dad, Jesse states “he never quit, he was strong, steady and calm, he worked hard to send me to college” Jesse’s work is a testament to his Dad and the skills and attributes he acquired from him are invaluable in forging the delicate items in such extreme heat.
Jesse’s work is sought after in South Carolina. He often offers live demonstrations of his artistic process. These demos always attract crowds, in which first time viewers invariably become Jesse Yancey fans.
By the way, he creates special projects such as broaches, knives and hooks but also creates everything from pendants to chains or other ideas offered from his fans and happily delves into individual commissioned work. His favorite pieces and favorites of our gallery guests are forged hair-pins. One of a kind, these keepsakes are often bought as special gifts, to be passed down to the next generation.
Something else is apparent when you meet Jesse …. He loves interacting with the public and always has fun. He enthusiastically states “this is the best job I have ever had.” That is certainly unmistakable when you interact with Jesse. I asked him what he enjoys most about his art-form. Without hesitation he states he appreciates that his art is unique and truly One-of-A-Kind.
If you haven’t yet met Jesse, stop by the White Rabbit Fine Art Gallery. I guarantee you will marvel at his art-work and depart feeling as though you’ve made a new friend.
Visit Jesse on Instagram and Facebook at Trashpuppyforge.com
