Corry Blanc can’t remember the first thing he ever made. “Making ‘things’ is all I’ve ever known,” he said. A native of Georgia (he grew up in the Appalachian foothills in the northern part of the state), the blacksmith began welding after high school when he took a job at his uncle’s welding and fabrication studio. That summer turned into a four-year apprenticeship, which built enough of a foundation to land Blanc a job with Stokes of England in Keswick. In 2009, he branched out on his own and has since tackled a range of projects—from custom exercise equipment for Clay Fitness & Nutrition to ornamental ironwork on gates and fences.
Describe your aesthetic in three words.
Functional, clean, organic.
What would you say is your “specialty”?
I make things for the house and home. Over the past few years that’s consisted mostly of custom hardware and ornamental ironwork. Most recently I’ve introduced furniture and a line of kitchen accessories.
Do you do a lot of work for individuals’ homes?
I do. Homes, barns, sheds, garages—basically anywhere on your estate that can benefit from a little custom ironwork.
What’s your favorite thing you’ve ever made?
I was lucky enough to be offered a gallery show at Chroma on the Downtown Mall last December. The desk I made for that show is by far my favorite piece.
What’s the process like for creating a new piece for a client? Does someone come to you with an idea and you run with it? Or is it more of a collaboration?
Both. If I’m working for a builder or architect, the design is usually laid out and all I do is facilitate it and make it real. If I’m working with a homeowner directly, I usually ask what they’re looking for, give my opinion, and see where it goes. The jobs I can run with are always my favorite.
GET IN TOUCH
Have a custom project in mind? Contact Corry Blanc by e-mail (corry@blanccreatives.com) or visit his website, blanccreatives.com.
