Biography Artist Blacksmith
David Robertson

Organic forms such as vines, leaves and flowers also translate into the unique nature of the steel. The semi-fluid nature of the steel when its hot allows the flow of these modern designs. When cold, the strength of the steel permits the long self supporting lines that are common in the plant world. Plant motifs have been a common design element in the mirrors and furniture that David has designed for his customers. Furniture with more classical lines but still containing characteristic forged elements not found in commercial furnishings, has become a new interest.

In 2011 he was commissioned to create a public art piece . South Hampton,Ontario, Gateway To The Arts. This was a large arch way with native Ontario flowers on the two supporting columns.

Since 1994 David has been teaching various courses at his workshop. These include Basic and Intermediate Blacksmithing, Pattern Welding, as well as custom courses to aid smiths in specific areas of development.

Over the Years David has been called upon to create a number of reproductions for museums including the Royal Ontario Museum, and period re-in-actors. He previously supplied Newfoundland Tourism with a Bronze reproduction Ring Pin. This is one of the identifying artifacts of the L'anse aux Meadows Viking site.

David's research has led him from pre-Britain Celts through the ages to the end of the 19th century. Although mild steel is the metal he most commonly works with, David has worked with bronze, copper , brass, and silver and gold.

In 1996 David was honored to be chosen Folk Artist In Residence for Joseph Schneider Haus in Kitchener, Ontario. This position required creating a gallery showing called The Schneider's and the Smiths, which chronicled tools and techniques used by blacksmiths from ancient to modern times.

As well David did a lecture series on Smithing Though the Ages and workshops and demonstrations. This position also required further research into the 19th century Mennonite culture especially related to motifs used by the blacksmith.

David has also had his artwork on display in various galleries in both Canada and The United States. 

• CanironVIII 2011 in Fergus, Ontario
• Imagine Gift Gallery, Sauble Beach, Ontario
• Great Lakes International Iron Festival, Buffalo, New York
• Joseph Schneider Haus's celebration of 25 years, Kitchener, Ontario
• Quadstate Blacksmith Round Up, Ohio
• Grave Goods, Woodstock Museum, Ontario
• Out of The Firey Furnace at the Woodstock Museum, Ontario.
  

• Demonstrator Quadstate 2012
• Demonstrator New York State Designer Blacksmiths 2012
  
• Demonstrator Caniron 2011

• 2016 and 2017 Fleming
  College School of Art + Design
• 2016 Markham Museum Staff Training
• On going training from the home workshop
• 2012 Taught at Rockchester Arc and Flame Institute
• 2006 Taught Haliburton School of the Arts