About me
10 Years in forging
Since 1978
I visibly remember my childhood spend in my grandfather’s workshop. Even to this day I feel more at home in my workshop, then in many other places. But even if the beginning of this story goes way back to my childhood, I was not always sure this is my passion. I use to work as seamstress and sales person, before I heard my call. I always loved experiencing new thing. If I would not follow my inner instinct, I would never find my passion for becoming a blacksmith. I am a professor of fine arts; however, I am a blacksmith by my soul and heart.
Lucia Žitnik, Artist
My story
The beginning of my passion
When I first met the teacher and stepped into the blacksmiths, I knew that I was in the right place. The black walls, the smell of charcoal and iron. The pliers and the burning fireplace have become my reality and part of everyday life. As an apprentice, after graduation, I have been for the past several years learning my craft by known Master of Artistic Welding, Miha Krištof. He is the Master of his craft and expert in his field. He showed greatness of his spirit by accepting me as his apprentice and gave me an equal opportunity as all the others.
Handmade pieces made with love
Blacksmith is only seemingly slipping into oblivion. Those who still see the soul in the forming of iron and in the old blacksmith’s procedures are daily keeping it alive. My personal vision is to build successful family business that produces mainly recognisable and unique mirrors with hand – wrought elements that meet the needs of more demanding customers. The purchase of my products is a purchase of a unique piece, which is equipped with a certificate.
By combining traditional blacksmith techniques and modern methods I create unique products of the highest quality while always striving to create a unique experience and timeless pieces for my customers.
Frequently asked Questions
How did you even begin to work in the field of metalwork?
“I was always attracted to black iron. My father was a welder. In his memory I created my first metal piece. however ,the path to becoming a blacksmith was still far away.”
How would you describe your first memories of blacksmiths?
“Because of pure luck I stepped into blacksmith workshop of Master Krištof, where I was learning as an apprentice. I was enchanted by blacksmith craft and fire. I knew right away this was it. I will never stop doing this, since it became part of me.”
Do you, as a woman, feel any obstacles in primarily male field?
“In all honesty I am not thinking in this way. I am an artist and I love iron. That is all. It is true that I have to daily make sure I am able to do everything and being fit for my passion. Even if I do not have the strength to do everything myself there are many tools, which make my work easier.”
How does your local community accept your career choice?
»Most of people are surprised, however honestly curious about it. In the end the only thing that matters is results. It’s not enough only to speak about crafting, it’s important to finish your products. When you have unique pieces nothing else matters. People will do the rest and talk about them.«