Exploring Creativity - Episode 18 - Mace Vitale Summary

In this episode of Exploring Creativity, host Rich Pfeifer interviews Mace Vitale, a blacksmith at the Guilford Art Center in Guilford, Connecticut. Mace shares his journey into blacksmithing, which began with a serendipitous job posting for a "Hammer and Torch Guy," leading him to various classes and eventually becoming an accomplished blacksmith and bladesmith. They discuss the differences between blacksmithing and coppersmithing, the types of steel used in knife making, and the detailed processes involved in forging. Mace emphasizes that blacksmithing is as much about finesse and technique as it is about strength and discusses the importance of safety in the craft. He also highlights the thriving blacksmithing community in Connecticut and encourages those interested to take up classes and practice. The episode concludes with Mace talking about some of his favorite projects and his experience on the History Channel's "Forged in Fire."