I began Blacksmithing in 1977, born out of a desire to be able to do more. I had only an electric drill, hacksaw and some files and I constantly reached roadblocks. I wondered how things were done long ago and without electricity. It dawned on me that the Blacksmiths did everything and that began my study of Blacksmithing.

I studied and practiced as a hobby for ten years and then decided to go into business. In the beginning, I shod horses also but that took too much time away from the decorative iron that I would rather be doing.

The South Dakota State Historical Society recognized early on the importance Smithing and provided a means by way of grants to further my education. I had become acquainted with a smith that had done it all through the "Dirty Thirties" when the need was real. Harvey Brunner,What a good teacher, the information was invaluable.

After paying my dues on the craft fair circuit and becoming known for what I loved to do, my word of mouth reputation blossomed into a full time endeavor. With backgrounds in surveying and soils engineering (lab tech) and a genetic predisposition from my machinist grandfather, I was ready.

I have done work for decorators, log cabin builders, housewives movie studios and theme parks. It is all-important to me. Because of the challenge of smithing, I never grow tired of it.

Jack Parks