Blog

I Am a Blacksmith

In today’s world of mass production, fast food, and high tech, I have chosen a profession that requires a slow, methodical approach. I am a blacksmith. My shop is filled with what most folks would consider as antiques, however they are everyday tools for me. Many of these tools I

“The Witch of November”

“The Witch of November” I recently completed this maquette, designed for a client whose home overlooks Lake Michigan from atop the bluffs.  My goal was to capture the essence of the Autumn gales (swirling winds and water), dubbed “the witch of November” by the mariners of the Great Lakes region.

Processional Cross: New Images

Here are two professionally shot images of the Processional Cross that was made for St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Forestville, WI.  Images taken by George Lottermoser, of Lottermoser and Associates, Germantown, WI. This piece is mild steel, hand-forged, and has a Gilders Paste (TM) finish. The fleur-de-lis pieces are of

Processional Cross

Processional Cross.  17″ x 24″ x 96″.  Mild steel, Gilder’s Paste finish.  Main bars are 5/16″ square, and there are roughly 40 forge-welds in this project.  The French repoussé process was used to make the fleur-de-lis, rosettes, and button husks.  The 43″ tubular staff lifts off the base for processions.

Birch Point Elk Antler Chandelier

This is the Birch Point Chandelier.  Designed and executed by Dan Nauman.  It was installed May 26, 2016 near Hayward in northern Wisconsin.  I was assisted in the installation by my assistant, Jeremiah Backhaus, who also helped me with some aspects of making this piece.  One of the owners, as

Elk Antler Chandelier “In Progress” Images

This elk-antler chandelier is being made for a “cabin” in northern Wisconsin.  When completed, it will have 15 lamps, and two stained-glass shades, one mounted at the top, and one at the bottom.  There will be added metalwork to mount the shades as well. Stay tuned to see the finished

Dan Nauman Interviewed on “BlacksmitHER” Podcast

Just a quick note: Last week I was interviewed by Victoria Patti of “BlacksmitHER Radio”, a podcast site where Victoria has candid interviews with metalworkers, artists and artisans alike.  The address is www.blacksmither.com. In this interview, Ms. Patti essentially announces to the listeners one of my new endeavors: I am

“Console Table 2015” by Dan Nauman

The debut of “Console Table 2015” was last evening, at an event entitled, “Artist Bike Night” at the “Iron Horse Hotel” in Milwaukee, WI.  I was invited to exhibit there along with three other artists.  I must have seen over three hundred bikes…mainly Harley-Davidsons.  It was an enjoyable, and LOUD,

Blacksmith Images from Amateur Photographer Augie Stark

These images were shot by amateur photographer Augie Stark, who visited my shop on two occasions this year.  Augie is taking a photography class at the University of Wisconsin/Madison.   Very impressive images, as they show texture, and great composition…both qualities I enjoy, and why I particularly enjoy B+W photography.

Restored Twin Gates Receive Gold Medal

Jim Korosec of “Finelli Ironworks”, contacted me a few years ago to help his company restore two sets of identical gates in Cleveland, Ohio.  That was the beginning of a long, interesting, and sometimes trying journey. I am pleased to announce that through a combined effort with “Finnelli Ironworks” of