Heart, Hand and Hammer: Forging Workshop with: John Cogswell

Forging is probably the oldest metalworking technique. It is the classic method by which metalsmiths hammer-form wire stock, ingots or rod into elegant, tapered (often flexible) forms. Forging is essentially a two-stage process: in the initial stage, a metal rod or billet is shaped by a series of sequential hammering operations, transforming it into an object possessing varied structural cross-sections and fluid graceful contours. In the final stages, the surface of the rough-forged form is refined by "planishing", producing the characteristic reflective, subtly hammer-textured surface. Forging produces forms, often requiring little or no soldering, which are elegant, lightweight and structural. Contrary to popular misconception, forging does not require great physical strength or body mass. When used properly, the hammer and anvil do all the work.

John Cogswell is a jeweler, silversmith, educator and author/illustrator. Recently retired from SUNY New Paltz, NY, he previously taught at Parsons School of Design, NYC, Pratt Institute, Brooklyn, NY and Hofstra University, LI. He was also formerly Director of the Jewelry and Metalsmithing Department at the 92nd Street Y in New York City. In addition, he has conducted numerous workshops at such locations as Arrowmont; Brookfield; Haystack; Penland; Appalachian Center; Peters Valley; Touchstone; FSG/WildAcres; FSG/Atlantic Center for the Arts and many others. He was the 2006 inductee into the National Metalsmiths' Hall of Fame and was selected as Touchstone Center for Crafts '007 Artist of the Year'. He is author and illustrator of Creative Stonesetting, and has served as a technical consultant and contributing author for several contemporary jewelry texts including Metals Technic, Contemporary Silver and The Penland Book of Jewelry. His work has appeared in numerous exhibitions and publications, and is included in many public and private collections, including the Victoria and Albert Museum, London, UK, the Jewish Museum, NYC and the Ackland Museum of Art, Chapel Hill, NC.