Blacksmithing Basics

Visual Philosophy, LLC is an art studio, creative community and artist incubator located in the heart of Silicon Valley. We make art a priority in our day to day lives, community and education.

Visual Philosophy

Learn the basics of hand forging and create a utilitarian object out of steel

School of Visual Philosophy

OverviewWant to get out of the office and get back to the way people worked in Medieval times? Now you can! The School of Visual Philosophy offers an in-depth workshop in how to use a forge to create something unique out of steel. Use your own two hands to hammer out a stick of metal into your very own bottle opener (or something that approximates a useful object). Our experienced instructor will show you the process step by step so you can really step back into history and leave modern technology behind. Become engulfed in the Iron Age- you'll get addicted.MaterialsThe School provides all the necessary materials for completing your first project at the forge. We use high quality steel to ensure your projects are created the proper way and last through multiple uses. Schedule- The class schedule will begin with an introduction into hot forging and safety procedures.- Next the instructor will demonstrate proper hammering techniques and how to maximize your strikes- Following that students will start to create their own pieces.- A lunch break is included so bring something to eat or patronize one of our local establishments- there are many to choose from- Due to the small class size, each student will be able to use their own anvil and the instructor will be available for questions and guidance throughout the dayFAQsAre there ID or minimum age requirements to enter the event?Due to the physical nature of blacksmithing, we have a 16 year old minimum age restriction and we ask that for children under 18, parents sign a release of liability waiver. This is an intro level workshop. There are no prerequisites. What are my transportation/parking options for getting to and from the event?Visual Philosophy has a parking lot available to attendees in the rear of the building accessible via Julian St. HWY 280, 87 and Diridon Caltrain station are very close. How can I contact the organizer with any questions?The School of Visual Philosophy can be reached via email at classes@schoolofvisualphilosophy.com or by calling 831-205-3406.What's the refund policy?By purchasing a course or workshop, you are obligated to provide payment in full prior to the start date. Courses and workshops may be cancelled 5 days in advance with money returned. Course and workshop tuition purchased but not completed in full or by the start of course can not be refunded.

Meet the InstructorTracey grew up in a rural area of southern California, and has since lived in several states, finally settling in the Bay Area in 2000. His first introduction to metal arts was from his Grandfather, a professional welder who ran his business (Leo’s Welding), from a home workshop. After many years of hobby woodworking and other handicraft, Tracey attended one of Yori’s beginner Blacksmithing workshops in 2017 and was instantly hooked. He has since built a home forge and taken many classes and more advanced courses on a journey to become an artist blacksmith and instructor. 
“There’s something about manipulating steel this way that’s truly magical to me. It’s at once a historical ancestral connection, a physical labor, a study of form, and a performance art. I love sharing the magic with anyone who’s interested and seeing the craft rediscovered by our modern society. I think the use of tools and ‘hand-making’ is one of the under-appreciated needs of the human being.”

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Blacksmithing Basics

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Blacksmithing Basics

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