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Q&A with Susan Hutchinson
posted: March 4, 2010
Who are you and what do you do? Susan Hutchinson. I work in wrought iron, also known as blacksmithing. Which is to say I take steel and heat it and hit into a form.
Why do you do what you do? Steel has some glorious properties, like tensile strength and its malleability that allow an artist to create forms that other medium cannot. Blacksmiths also have the coolest tools and the best parties.
Describe your process? I take a piece of steel, heat it to 2000 degrees, and then wrestle it to the ground with a hammer and anvil.
What’s your background? I have a degree in art, but learned most of what I know at Penland School and John C Campbell Folk School.
Do you have any formal training or are you self taught? Blacksmiths are always teaching each other stuff. This week I am in a class at the Folk School with 8 other students. Of the 8 students, 6 have 20 years or more in this field. There is no need to reinvent the wheel, and smithing is a very ancient craft. There is simply too much for anyone to ever learn it all, so we specialize and trade thoughts and processes around.
How long have you been an artist? How did you get started? I've been an professional artist for about 25 years. There is nothing else I ever wanted to do.
How important is geography to your identity as an artist? Geography is important more because so many world class smiths live in WNC, and we like to get together.
Who first influenced you artistically? I don't thing I can say exactly, I have always been drawn to certain shapes and forms. Douglas Wilson from Deere Isle, Maine was my first formal teacher.
What living person do you most admire? The workshop I am attending this week is being led by Daniel Miller, of Waynesville. And I am astonished by the profound thought and care each detail of his work is granted.
What historical figure do you most identify with? Jane Austen
What do you consider your greatest achievement? Teaching classes of beginning adults.
What role does the artist have in society? Blacksmiths have traditionally made the tools for all the other trades. Every village had to have one for survival. Subsequently, many many people feel a connection to seeing a grandfather or great uncle fix or make something when they were growing up. Blacksmithing can connect an alienated society to its past. To have contact with something as visceral and primitive as beating on hot metal does a body good. The results too, are so permanent. In a day and age when computers are obsolete in a month or so, the solidity of a well made steel object, an object that is not only beautiful, but made by its tenacious nature to be handled and used, is a comfort.
Do you have any words of advice for aspiring artists? Prepare yourself for a lot of beans and rice. I wouldn't trade my calling for the world, but it is not easy, and you are not going to get rich, and probably not even comfortable. Be grateful if you get to live indoors.
What is the price range of your work? $5 to $5000
You can visit Susan Hutchensons studio this spring during the Weaverville Art Safari, April 24 - 25.
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