About Great Circle Forge
Artist Blacksmiths Dedicated to Quality Ironwork.
Who is Great Circle Forge?
Great Circle Forge is a collection of the work of artist blacksmiths dedicated to creating the highest quality wrought iron products. Since its inception in 1998, Great Circle Forge has also been instrumental in educating the general public about the centuries-old trade of blacksmithing and its more modern counterpart - artist blacksmithing.
More than just wrought iron furniture - The History of the "Smith"
In the beginning, the blacksmith played an integral role in society. Not limited to simply putting shoes on horses, these men also made items necessary in everyday life - tools, weaponry, furniture, and even home accessories like hinges and door latches. For a better idea of the importance of these men in their society, read the Henry Wadsworth Longfellow poem "The Village Blacksmith."
Today, the person who puts shoes on horses is still a blacksmith; however, the name - Farrier - is more specific to the job. While also a blacksmith, the Artist Blacksmith brings lifeless iron to life through the creation of wrought iron furniture, accessories, and sculptures.
Artist Blacksmithing is a Lasting Outward Expression of the Artist's Inner Vision.
Great Circle Forge - The Beginning
Greg Auchard, founder of Great Circle Forge, began his journey to become an artist blacksmith in 1988. Following a tour of duty in the Army, Greg was determined to find a profession that would allow him to combine his artistic talent with his desire for quality and passion for "the details." horseshoeing school in Oklahoma seemed to be the right choice, and Greg was soon on his way.
After countless hours in the blazing Oklahoma sun, Greg came to the realizationthat making horseshoes was far easier than attaching them to horses that didn't necessarily want them on. Indeed, his anvil didn't "buck" near as hard as the horses he worked on. He was, however, reluctant to abandon the schooling he had just completed and decided to give the blacksmithing business a go. As time went on and the aches and pains from the strenuous work began to take a toll on his large frame, Greg decided to look for other options. The work of the artist blacksmith seemed a good choice. Here was the best of both worlds - on outlet for Greg's creativity and passion for detail that still enabled him to use the knowledge he had gained in his schooling.
In the early days, Greg worked tirelessly to create simple items like shepherd's hooks, candle holders, and iron puzzles to sell at the many craft shows and fairs in the area. Over the years, his exposure to the general public at these events made it apparent to Greg that there was a misconception concerning custom wrought iron artwork. People seemed to believe that the artist blacksmith was a local supplier of pieces similar to the machine-stamped pieces offered at large retail chains. Unhappy with this notion, Greg began a mission of education about the trade that he had come to love. He was determined to help people see the beauty and functionality of wrought iron by offering the unique quality of his work and the works of his fellow artisans through the convenient medium of the Internet. Included in his presentation would be articles about the art and art form, the history and use of the various items, and ideas for personal use in homes of potential owners of these magnificent custom pieces. His ultimate goal was to provide high quality wrought iron products at reasonable prices. The culmination of this dream was the birth of www.greatcircleforgeironart.com.
Great Circle Forge's Mission
It is common knowledge that the quality of 100 - or even 50 - years ago is difficult to find today. It is the mission of Great Circle Forge to provide this quality, so evident in the work of the "smiths" of yesterday, in the format of modern style and design.
We hope you enjoy your visit!