about kelly…Kelly first moved to Olympia in 1988 to attend The Evergreen State College, where he was able to combine his passions for natural history and three-dimensional art in his studies. Upon graduating from Evergreen Kelly worked as a field biologist throughout the Northwest eventually settling in Seattle to raise a family. While in Seattle, Kelly worked as a machinist, gaining an interest and skill in working with metal. Kelly soon inherited his grandfather’s coal-burning forge and a couple of basic blacksmithing tools. He studied at Pratt Art Institute in Seattle as well as with local blacksmiths. Kelly and his family returned to Olympia in 2006, and Kelly started his own business, Big Hammer Technology. Kelly’s metalwork draws on his passion for the natural world where birds, insects and natural forms are reoccurring themes. Kelly has taught blacksmithing classes at South Puget Sound Community College and The Evergreen State College. Kelly is excited to have the opportunity to continue the blacksmithing tradition of teaching others his craft.
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