Journal

Writing About Metal

The journal exists because metal arts deserve thoughtful, sustained writing. Too much craft coverage stops at the surface: a pretty photograph, a brief caption, a social media post that disappears in a day. We believe that the work being produced by Canadian blacksmiths, metal sculptors, welding artists, and jewellery metalsmiths deserves deeper attention. Our journal features take the time to explore how a piece is made, why it matters, what traditions it draws from, and where it sits within the broader landscape of contemporary craft. We interview artists in their studios, observe processes from raw stock to finished form, and write about technique with enough specificity to be useful to fellow makers.

The subjects we cover are as varied as the metal arts themselves. Process features walk through the creation of a specific object, from material selection and design to forging, fabrication, finishing, and delivery. Studio visits take you inside the workshops of working metalsmiths, describing the tools, the layout, the daily rhythms, and the creative decisions that shape a practice. Thematic essays explore broader topics: the role of public metal sculpture in Canadian cities, the growing presence of women in blacksmithing, the relationship between industrial welding skills and creative welding practice, and the economics of running a metal arts studio in the current market.

We also publish practical content for makers at every level. Guides to choosing your first anvil, setting up a home forge, selecting welding equipment for creative work, and building a jewellery bench all live alongside the long-form features. Gift guides help non-makers find and purchase handmade Canadian metalwork for special occasions. Resource roundups point readers toward workshops, guilds, suppliers, and communities where they can continue their learning. Every piece of writing on this site is original, carefully researched, and written with genuine respect for the makers and the materials.

The journal is updated regularly with new features, profiles, and practical guides. If you are a maker with a story to tell, a process worth documenting, or a perspective on the state of the craft in Canada, we want to hear from you. If you are a reader who values writing that takes craft seriously, bookmark this page and check back often. The metal arts in Canada are in a period of remarkable growth and creative ambition, and we intend to document every part of it.

Browse the articles below to find features on specific disciplines, artist studio visits, process guides, and thematic essays. Each piece is written to be accessible to newcomers while offering depth and detail that experienced makers will appreciate. Welcome to the journal. Pull up a chair, and stay awhile.