DR. CHARLES BECKER
Oxford, Michigan
www.whitehorseforge.com
Traditional and Contemporary Designs
HORSE HEAD and LEAF CREATIONS
Dr. Charles Becker, an equine veterinarian in Oxford, Michigan, found satisfaction in creating functional and ornamental designs out of metal which reflect his love of horses and nature. In 1980, Dr. Becker discovered the art of blacksmithing during a visit to Greenfield Village in Detroit, Michigan. He has studied under masters such as Francis Whitaker, Tom Joyce, Nol Putnam, Ed Grove and Ivan Bailey and has himself become a master smith and mentor.
He has had commissions to do railings, gates and other architectural forgings, often incorporating his favorite work – the horse’s head. His work is represented in exhibitions and galleries throughout Michigan and the United States. He is frequently a guest instructor at the John C. Campbell Folk School in Brasstown, North Carolina and the Touchstone Center for Crafts in Farmington, Pennsylvania to name a few. He has also been a guest demonstrator for ABANA as well as SOFA.
He is the recipient of the Silver Award from the National Ornamental & Miscellaneous Metals Association, (NOMMA) Convention’s International Metalcraft Competition in Reno, Nevada for a pair of driveway gates he designed, forged, and installed at his farm in Oxford, Michigan. He has been featured in articles in the blacksmith publications: The Anvil’s Ring (Summer 1996 Issue), The Fabricator (July 1996), and Anvil Magazine (July 1999).
It was an honor and pleasure having Dr. Becker as our March demonstrator. He has been a wonderful SOFA supporter and friend.
