When Frustration Leads To Action: Blacksmith Mike Rossi
In the 35th episode of Perceive Value host Sarah Rachel Brown sits down with Philadelphia-based Blacksmith, Mike Rossi. In just a few short weeks, a symposium that Mike has been co-organizing for the past 2 years will be taking place at Bryn Athyn, PA. Frustrated with the lack of critical dialogue amongst their peers, Rossi, along with blacksmiths Warren Holtzman and John Rais, have decided to take action and bring their community together.
The two artists sat down to discuss Mike’s experience with the craft show hustle, and how a high schooler manages to save thousands for his college experience, and what it’s like putting together an event of this magnitude with no previous experience.
Looking Forward: A contemporary Blacksmithing and Metal Design Symposium will take place June 14th - 16th.
Mike Rossi is the principal of Rossi Metal Design based in Philadelphia,
specializing in unique architectural works and sculpture. Born in Pontiac, Michigan,
he has a BFA in Blacksmithing from Northern Michigan University, and an MFA in
Metalsmithing from Cranbrook Academy of Art. He has exhibited nationally and
internationally, currently in “Meta-Formation” at Appalachian Center for Craft and
in “40 under 40: the Next Generation of American Metal Artists” at the National
Ornamental Metals Museum in Memphis. He has taught at Bryn Athyn College,
Kalamazoo College, Ox-Bow School of Art, Penland School of Craft, and Haystack
Mountain School of Craft. He’s got 2 cats.
Registration is CLOSED but you can find information regarding the symposium at www.ironsymposium.com.
Mike’s instagram: @rossimetals
Symposium instagram: @brynathyniron
