Russell Smalley

Russell has a passion to create!

Making something new from stock material and transforming it into something beautiful or functional is what he loves the most. Russell draws from over 20 years of experience working in metal. Beginning in High School with precious metals through silversmithing and jewelry making, Russell has made a transition to blacksmithing and ironsmithing over the past decade.

From his small metal shop in Vancouver, Canada, Russell creates and chronicles his process. Discovering new techniques and learning by doing is how he spends most of his free time.. and his hope is to inspire others to discover the joys of being a creative.

Largely self taught, Russ is a member of the Artist Blacksmith Association of North America (ABANA), the North West Blacksmithing Association (NWBA) and the Vancouver Island Blacksmith Association (VIBA).

“I want to enable others to accomplish things they never thought possible. It’s great inviting people into my shop, virtually or in person, especially newcomers who’ve never swung a hammer before.”

“For them to leave here after a few hours with a functional object they made themselves, is one of the most amazing and satisfying experiences.”

“My goal is to start spreading the knowledge I have to even more people and grow the art of blacksmithing here in the Lower Mainland.”

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