Contemporary craftsman, artist, green living enthusiast, avid mountain biker, drummer, photographer and organic cook. Sole-proprietor of Hand Forged Works, located at the former Western Electric/Lucent Technologies manufacturing plant in North Andover, Massachusetts.
Since childhood, I have focused on nurturing my keen eye for detail, creative thinking and mindful approach to work. Working with my hands has been a lifelong passion that has taken me from the suburbs of Massachusetts to the mountain community surrounding Telluride, Colorado and back.
In 1999, after 4 years of working with various craftsmen and contractors, I took a road trip westward. My 'short visit' to the idyllic, cliffside, 'solar powered artisans guild' called Steeprock turned into the most intense, perspective changing, adventurous 4 years of my life. It was there that master craftsman/builder, pilot, bioneer Glen Harcourt, became my most influential teacher, opening my eyes to a universe of creative/constructive endeavors, including showing me how to hammer my first pieces of hot steel. In 2003, after having gained a whole new world of knowledge in Colorado, the loss of my mother to Lupus was the impetus for a move back to the Boston area, starting HFW shortly thereafter.
Over the years, I have had the great opportunity to study under the tutelage of master craftsmen/artists in numerous areas of woodworking, metalworking and green design/building. My ongoing works are a direct reflection of all that I have absorbed from the teachings and experiences along this path. With relentless attention to detail, I attempt to push the aesthetic and functional boundaries of my metalwork further with every project.
Jonathan Rummel : Owner ~ Craftsman