A creative mind is an asset in many occupations. Through our Creative Minds presentations, we will hear from people in our community who have interesting artistic passions and/or careers in fields such as landscape architecture, courtroom sketching, and television, to name just a few past examples.
No registration necessary. Admission by donation
For information call 749.2248 or email gov.ns.ca.
Creative Minds April 28, 2013 2:00 pm
Joe Bengivenni: The Blacksmith’s Magic
Like blacksmiths of old, Joe’s passion for his art was ignited the first time he lit a fire in the forge, heated a bar of steel, then pounded it into a form shaped as much by whim and will, as by hammer strokes. A true aficionado of forge and anvil, Joe unites the forces of functional necessity and creative ingenuity, as reflected in his works.
In 1975, his first blacksmith shop perched on the bank of the Tusket River. There he shaped and forge-welded both ship fittings and horseshoes. His skill and shop infrastructure have both evolved, yet Joe has retained aspects of his “village smithy” role. His artistic works, including scrolled railings, weathervanes and park fixtures, grace municipal properties and private homes throughout Western Nova Scotia. But the bulk of his production is still driven by the needs of the local fishing industry. He has owned and operated a working shop in Clare since 1979 and fabricates ornamental and architectural metalwork by request.
Joe studied at the Agricultural College in Truro and has been a member of the Artist-Blacksmith Assoc. of Nova Scotia. His works have been displayed at The Mary Black Gallery in Halifax and locally at The Sign of the Whale, the Mariner Centre and Rudders. He has also given instructional training to high school welding students.
Ornamental or functional, the productions of metal’s union with fire conjure up mythical associations. We recognize the profound capacity of the imagination to create and shape reality—not by physical force alone, but also with mind and spirit.
More information about this program or the Creative Mind series, contact the AGNS Yarmouth, 902 749-2248
.