Steel Rose Forge

BILL PALMER - ARTIST BLACKSMITH

I started my farrier apprenticeship at 15 years old in 1985,went on to oklahoma farriers college and graduated in 1989. I continued my career in farriery until I discovered that while farriery was a science,there's an element of artistry in it.... the farrier has to visualise what the horses foot SHOULD look like and thru forging steel must try to sculpt the foot into that vision for the animal to stride comfortably.

in 1998,in an effort to recover from a catastrophic drop in business due to harsh winter conditions,I put together some christmas gifts made from the abundance of horseshoe supply inventory. I was just happy to be able to give some gifts to close family, friends,and customers. the positive response was overwhelming!!

I decided to have a go at the ornamental iron business and set up shop in a customers dirt floor shed,exchanging rent for shoeing his horses. shortly thereafter i found a small shop space for rent in the quaint little town of hadley 'The village blacksmith' was reborn!!

I worked there for several years until I just outgrew the space.I've moved around a few times since and now have a workshop here at my house in COLUMBIAVILLE,MI. where I can build and assemble some projects as well as offer classes. I rent space at a large facility in FLINT,MI. where I keep my heavy equipment (power hammers)

I strive to do large public commissions,as well as private,architectural work. I enjoy putting on classes and private parties where I can help others to awaken the metal artist that I feel lies within all of us,it's just a matter of what it takes to awaken them!!