about Jake James, the artist blacksmith
Jake James is an English born blacksmith, now living on the west shores of Vancouver Island, BC, Canada. Born in east London, Jake spent his early years living on a barge in east India docks. Much of his childhood was spent on the westerly tip of England - Cornwall. On the wild promontories of his ancestral homeland, Jake developed a deep respect and admiration for the beauty of his natural environment; which inspires much of his work today.
2009
Works in Progress
- Public art commission for two life-size figures in Beacon park - Sidney, BC
- 40' of 'dogwood' theme custom railing for a timber framed home in Metchosin.
- A large decorative screen and a complementary fire screen for a private residence in Edmonton.
- Public Art installed in downtown Victoria: A life-sized, whimsical sculpture of a cyclist and a tree. This piece has been very warmly received by the residents of James Bay, Victoria.
- Assorted hardware for private residences.
- A range of pieces including large decorative coat hooks, curtain valances, and lighting details.
2008
- Stair rail project: Collaboration with Jorgen Harle and Jeff Holtby. 60 feet of railing for three flights of stairs. This custom railing utilized massive forged posts and traditional joinery in a design reflecting the grandness and scale of its surrounding architecture.
- Ironwork for private residence: Collaboration with Jorgen Harle and Jeff Holtby. Ironwork installed into three separate buildings in one residential compound. Each building had a differing feel that influenced my designs- from an industrially inspired sculpture spanning the length of the house, 'Saxon' style handrails.
- Completed various smaller commissions - These include smaller sculptures, sign work, candleholders, hardware and garden features.
- Featured Demonstrator for the North West Blacksmiths Association.
- Teaching blacksmithing classes from my Metchosin Forge.
2005-2007
- Band shell handrail: Collaboration with Jeff Holtby, Designed and led by Jorgen Harle. A series of almost Dr Suessian hand rails for a band shell on Orcas Island.
- Completing commissioned work.
- Numerous smaller commissions, including an elegant garden gate, a pair of traditional Georgian screens, gate and door hardware, lighting, furniture, hand rails, park benches, sculpture, sign work and garden features.
- Showing work in Victoria galleries.
- Solo show at the Rave'n'Iron Gallery.
- Collaborative shows at Place, and Mecurio Gallery
- Member of Stinking Fish Studio Tour: A juried tour run twice a year in East Sooke and Metchosin, showcasing some of the finest art and crafts on the South Island.
- Featured Demonstrator for the Western Canadian Blacksmiths Guild, and CanIron VII.
- Teaching blacksmithing classes from my Metchosin Forge.
2002 - 2004
Journeyman's Travels
Traveling as a journeyman blacksmith is a rich tradition in the craft. Having developed my skills under the tutelage of a master blacksmith, I left England further to explore and develop my own understanding of the craft and its place in the world. My travels took me first to Sri Lanka. Under a roof of squashed oil drums deep in the mountains, I worked with the village smith. Barefoot and clad only in sarongs we forged plough shares, axes and sickles for the rice harvest. This was a lesson in ingenuity and resourcefulness- everything was recycled and done with the bare minimum of equipment. In India I spent a month working silver, both jewelry and inlaying. I then came to North America. I toured the west coast of the US, visiting a number of highly regarded blacksmiths and demonstrating at the California Blacksmiths Association's Octoberfest, before deciding to set up shop on Vancouver Island.
1999 - 2002
The Forge, Braishfield England
Sole employee of Richard Bent, Fellow of the Worshipful Company of Blacksmiths. Holder of the Worshipful Company Silver Medal, and three time National Champion Blacksmith. Richard is a highly respected designer and maker. My time with him (the length of a formal apprenticeship) provided me with a solid grounding in all the making processes, and also opened my eyes to the creative freedom granted by the ability to work hot steel.
As Richard's only employee I was heavily involved in all aspects of the work, from design to forging, fabricating, finishing and installation. Projects I was a part of included:
- Lighting for Arundel Cathedral - a series of large gothic chandeliers.
- Three large pairs of ages for the formal gardens of the lord Portsmouth.
- Gates for Charleton cemetery.
- Public art pieces including a 20' dragonfly arch, 16' tall wheat sculpture and the arched entryway to Grove Park.
- We also completed numerous smaller commissions for architects, city councils and private clients.
On every project I worked to Richard's high standards of craftsmanship, often being left to develop ideas from my own perspective. In county competitions I continued to have success, being awarded prizes at every show I entered. Awarded Journeyman's Certificate by the Worshipful Company of Blacksmiths.
1998 - 1999
Hereford College of Technology, England
- Btec National Certificate in Blacksmithing and Metalwork, passed with distinction.
- City and Guilds welding certificates in SMAW,GMAW and Gas welding.
- Awarded Certificate of Competence by the Worshipful Company of Blacksmiths.
- Awarded top student prize for the year.