John D. Beatie - Artist Blacksmith
It is often said that the experiences you give your children make an everlasting impression. John's childhood was full of exposure to nature, art, theater, and outdoor adventures in the Appalachian Mountains, which left a lasting impression that is visible in the forged work he creates today.
Growing up in the Atlanta area, John experienced a fast-paced lifestyle that he had grown tired of and longed for those days of mountain hiking, cool streams, and magnificent mountain views.
His earlier investments had afforded him the opportunity to purchase a beautiful farm in Mineral Bluff, Ga. His intentions were to raise his own food and rely on his farm to supplement additional income. Having a degree in wildlife management, he eventually took a job with Game and Fish and had several odd jobs to supplement additional needs.
In the early 90's John had an opportunity to attend an apprenticeship program in woodcarving, pottery, or blacksmithing through the prestigious John C. Campbell Folk School.
As a young boy, John was given a woodcarving knife and immediately cut his finger. While in college he had worked with Clayhorse Pottery doing bronze and aluminum casting, so he decided to try something entirely different.
In 1992 John completed the mentor/apprenticeship program in blacksmithing from John C. Campbell under master blacksmiths from across the country. He spent the next few years improving his skills. In 1993 John and Linda rekindled an old relationship from their college days. They were married in 1995. In 1997 he established his blacksmith shop and begin making small gifts for family and friends. In 1998 John and Linda Beatie begin participating in art and craft shows in the southeast, and sold John's work through galleries and shops in Georgia and Florida. Linda having spent twenty plus years as a Registered Nurse and looking for a change begin managing the business and found she enjoyed the change. John and Linda together often collaborate on designs.
"It is greatly satisfying knowing the customer is getting exactly what they wanted and that I was able to be a part of that. On many occasions, customers have searched for weeks or months trying to make something work or find just the right design, and often they can bring their ideas to me and together we can figure out a solution or a design that gives them a functional or decorative handmade piece of ironwork that outlasts a lifetime. There is just something so neat knowing that in this modern day of advanced technology that the work I do everyday is done with the same basic tools that were used hundreds of years ago by blacksmiths; that being fire, hammer, and anvil. Its also fun to play with fire and get dirty all day."
John is a member of Artist Blacksmith Association of North America (ABANA), Alabama Forge Council, Alex Bealer Guild, Blue Ridge Mountains Arts Association, Fannin County Chamber, Georgia Heritage Center for the Arts, Gilmer Arts and Heritage Association, Gilmer County Chamber, and Southern Appalachian Artist Guild.