friday night artist talks\

On the eve of the highly anticipated Blacksmiths Festival, our Artist Talks evening will bring together some of the most skilled and innovative metalworkers for an evening of inspiration, storytelling, and creative exploration.

Held in the intimate setting of Waterside Metal Art studio on the festival site, this special pre-festival event invites renowned blacksmiths and metal artists to share their experiences, techniques, and creative journeys. Attendees will gain insight into the artistry and dedication behind the forge, with discussions exploring current projects and practice related topics.

Through engaging talks and a Q&A panel, guests will have the rare opportunity to connect with master blacksmiths and metal artists, learn about their influences, and hear firsthand about the challenges and inspirations of working with fire and metal. Whether you're a seasoned smith, an aspiring artist, or simply an admirer of the craft, this night promises to be an inspiring lead-up to the festival’s hands-on demonstrations and live forging.

Join us for an unforgettable evening celebrating the artistry, history, and future of blacksmithing!

Speakers

The night will feature a talk with Canadian blacksmith artist Sandra Dunn, this year’s Artistic and Technical Lead for the Collaborative Forging project. She will share insights from her three-decade journey in blacksmithing and sculptural design and discuss the evolution of her practice. With the work being in its final stages at the festival Sandra will provide a behind-the-scenes look at the creative and technical process behind this year’s showcase work—an evocative sculptural seat inspired by the site’s industrial past and natural landscape. Join us to hear firsthand how art, memory, and place are coming together in forged steel and wood.

Also featuring talks by guest artists:

Matt Mewburn from Everleigh Works (NSW) - By fire, iron and steam…

Matt shares the story of the Eveleigh Railway Workshops—from their origins as a Victorian-era industrial powerhouse to their transformation into a contemporary hub for learning, creativity, and craft. Through this journey, he reflects on how the legacy of steam and steel continues to inspire new generations of makers.

Fleur Summers (Vic) - My Hand in Yours: making intimate connections through foundry work

Fleur will discuss her socially engaged bronze series, in which the trace of her touch is cast in bronze and gifted to others. Through this gesture, she explores how traditional sculptural materials can create intimate, material connections between people.

Dave Graham from Simply Forged (Vic) - Let it flow

In this 10-minute talk, Dave shares his 28-year journey of pursuing his passion. He will reflect on the challenges and triumphs along the way, and how he’s navigated creative roadblocks without giving up.

Elizabeth Belz from Black Widow Forge (USA) - Bugs to fruition-Inspiration and design

There are steps to forging and fabricating processes that must be followed, but how do you even get to that point? In this ten minute talk with Metal Artist Elizabeth Belz (USA) will explore how she looks for and finds inspiration for sculpture. She’ll take us through what happens on her bench, and inside her brain, as part of the creative process. Elizabeth will touch on scale drawing, accurate measurements, model making, and all the things she does before lighting the forge.

Will Maguire (NSW) - Irons Entanglement

Key Details

Friday 16 May, 6.00-8.45pm

Venue: Waterside Metal Art studio, 60 Maribyrnong St, Footscray

Cost: $10 (plus booking fee)

All proceeds go to the Blacksmiths Festival Association to contribute to the costs of the event and festival.

Space is limited so please book as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

Drinks will be available at the bar for purchase. No food will be available - guests are welcome to bring their own snacks or order delivery to the venue.