• Easter 2019 “Creative Fire” – Beginner’s Blacksmithing Experience

Unleash your inner creative fire! Come and try an ancient art under guidance from an experienced artisan at the Talisman Gallery this Easter Holiday.

“You remove the red hot steel from the fire, bringing it to the anvil you begin to beat the hot metal. You watch as it changes shape, yielding under the blows. Working quickly before it cools you wrap it around a form into a spiral shape. Before you know it you have created your first piece of metal art!”

In this year’s workshop we are offering the unique opportunity to craft your own small piece of metal sculpture mounted on sandstone (see photo). You may also choose to make a decorative firepoker or wall hook.

How it Works
You book in for a designated approx 1/2 hour time slot. Ron will be on hand to guide you through the making of either a small piece of metal art mounted on sandstone ($65.00), a decorative firepoker ($40.00) or a decorative coat hook ($40.00). During your session you will experience what it’s like to heat, hammer, twist and shape hot metal into something beautiful.

Details
 Sessions will be held over 2 days on the 20th& 21st. April (Easter weekend), between 10am and 3pm with a 3rd day on the Monday a possibility, yet to be determined. Cost for making an item is $40-$65 depending on what you choose to make. All materials are supplied and of course you get to keep what you craft. No experience is necessary, male or female, 13 years and up.

As the event is usually oversubscribed it is essential you book ahead. Bookings by phone only.  Call Ron on 0407 723 722. See you there!

 Visit The Gallery

The Talisman Gallery is located in the beautiful Hartley Valley just over the Blue Mountains and close to the turnoff to Jenolan Caves. The gallery displays the unique metal art of artisan and blacksmith Ron Fitzpatrick as well as a whole room of imported and local silver jewellery.

Ron’s main inspiration for his sculptures, mirrors and other metal art pieces comes from his morning meditation practise, “I like nothing better than seeing something in meditation, getting to the workshop, lighting the fire and trying to bring what I saw into being”. One of Ron’s more recent inspirations is a range of steel and stained glass garden art pieces mounted on local sandstone. “I love how the light through the glass brings so much colour to a space”, says Ron.

His other creations include small forged iron sculptures with mounted crystals, amethyst, rose quartz and Australian opal. Ron is also renowned for his range of art mirrors and clocks, unique designs with names like “The Goddess”, “Celtic Queen”, “Zodiac” and “Intersection of Power”, drawing on influences from ancient symbols, Celtic designs, and his own personal designs.

The gallery also displays a large range of imported and locally made silver jewellery. Ron’s latest passion is Australian opal. Recently, he travelled to Queensland to the boulder opal fields where he sourced a number of unique pieces which has has mounted into rings, earrings and pendants. Each piece is a unique creation—and affordable! With nine cabinets of jewellery, you are sure to find something that captures your heart.

The gallery is situated in the Hartley Historic Village, on the Great Western Highway, 300 metres from the turnoff to the Jenolan Caves. The village is a great stopping off point, with historic buildings, scenic walks, an indigenous gallery and cafe serving delicious food and good coffee. Come and see something different. Ron might even be working on the forge when you get there!

Easter/ Anzac weekend opening hours:

Open every day from the 17th- 28th April, 10-5pm, closed 29,30th