“Reforged Ironworks is Tim and Lorinda Peel-Wickstrom, blacksmiths and homesteaders raising their family in Creston Valley, BC, Canada.” So goes the business’ website on their “About” page – but I should know, because these two lovely people are my parents, and Reforged Ironworks is their home-run business!
My stepdad Tim works full-time as a blacksmith, my mom Lorinda is part-time, and recently I’ve started working in the shop on occasion. My boyfriend Trustin is currently Tim’s apprentice and assists with blacksmithing work as well. I help Tim with polishing, oiling, leather-wrapping, drilling, and packaging the products, as well as doing some photography jobs and website/Etsy shop work. I love being in the shop – watching Tim forge dull pieces of metal into beautiful, intricate, and artistic creations is breathtaking. I especially enjoy the white-orange glow of hot steel fresh from the forge and its dough-like malleability into something new.
I often wish I had my camera with me while working in the shop to capture the raw beauty and interesting textures all around me. I recently decided I wanted to write a feature post for Reforged Ironworks to honour Tim’s blacksmithing artistry and share what I get to see so often; I also just wanted an excuse to take more photos in this aesthetically pleasing setting!
Playing around with lighting and textures in this photoshoot was challenging but oh-so-rewarding. I love how dark, intense, and subtle most of the photos came out, as well as the refreshing fiery and vibrant shots of the forge and glowing pieces. I experimented with how to get the most out of low lighting to make the forge and hot metal glow. The shop isn’t normally this dark; good lighting is essential for blacksmith work. However, I wanted to capture a duskier and more sombre feel to add emphasis.
There’s a lot of photos in this post. . . I had a lot of fun with this, hehe. Get comfy, perhaps turn up your screen brightness, and settle in for a glimpse of Canadian blacksmith work and its beauty.
Lastly, a note to Tim: happy birthday again, and I hope this post is a worthy tribute to the work you do. I find it truly inspiring and amazing to watch you create and run your business with skill and success. The best part is that I get to be a part of it now. Love, Hazel ♥
Don’t think I can express how touched I am by this featurette, Hazel. Your skill with photography is evident because I spend hours and hours in the shop and I didn’t recognize some of the things you took pictures of. It’s like you’re looking into a different world.
Much love,
Papa Bear
It makes me so happy to know you like this post ♥︎
Hazel,
This is a lovely tribute to Tim and his work 😘
I’m glad you think so! <3
Hey Hazel,
Awesome careers. Our neighbor on Beam Road in Erickson has a stone business ready to be taken over. Some very creative stone pieces for coffee table display, and other more practical works such as stone walls and gravestones. If you or your parents know anyone interested, let me know. Robert’s become too aged to keep the business going. I have photos of photos of Robert’s stone pieces if there’s a way to let you see. Take care, Les
Good to know and thanks for the heads up, Les. I’ll let you know if I find anyone interested in taking over :)
I’m so glad you shared these Hazel<3 These dark colours capture the feel of blacksmithing so well.
Thanks, Trustin <3
So beautiful
Much appreciated! <3
Wow what a contrast from your previous blog. From an icy world to an environment of fire and heat. As Tim mentioned you have exposed aspects of his work he has never noticed….which is my experience with all of your posts.
I love the juxtaposition of this post and the last one! I’m glad my work allows you to see into a new world.