Ted Hinman About

Ted Hinman: Teacher, Artist, Blacksmith, Historical Demonstrator

A bit about myself.

Since 1998, I have been innovating and creating a wide variety of art, tools, blades and ways to teach metal smithing. What drives me is a respect for people, nature, and creativity as well as the feeling of freedom and connection I experience.

I see my art as a spiritual process. I keep coming back to the theme of sowing seeds or the tree of life. I am given the gift to create and there are living beings amongst us who were created perfectly. The plants I incorporate into my art are nature’s perfection. My techniques involve forging and shaping iron and other materials, incorporating woodworking, carving and shaping.

"Art saved me"

I dive deep into the work, able to see with a unique perspective, freed from the pressure to be “normal,” connecting with others in the creative space. When I am creating my art, I forget about my disability. I am able to create without judgment from others of me. I lose that sense of otherness I feel. I am at my happiest when I am creating my artwork. I can be myself, and I decide what direction my artwork will go, and I am not constrained by any rules. Art saved me, and now I use it to help others as well. Asperger’s actually empowers my award-winning work and inclusive teaching.

Asperger’s has given me a superpower. I don’t see the world as a neurotypical, and it gives me the ability to see things in not so ordinary ways. I’m very hyper-focused on my interests, and I have very specific interests, which include blacksmithing, bladesmithing, history as it relates to my areas of interest, kite flying, fishing, boating, electric trains, reptiles, and theology.

"I am always striving for museum quality results"

I work closely with clients to fulfill their unique visions - from ancient to modern, while my personal aesthetic tends towards Gothic in style. I am always striving for museum quality results. I work from specifications, historical sources, and my own creativity. To create accurate historical reproductions, I enjoy finding and using museum pieces for reference.

I’m inclined to say that having Asperger’s has made me sensitive to other people’s differences and their different learning styles. It’s important for me as a teacher to know my students feel successful in what they’re learning and for them to feel inspired to continue metalsmithing or any other art form they choose. I believe people with learning differences and abilities are able to forge different kinds of metals, creating an outlet for their creative expression and to add to their palette of skills.

I have enjoyed teaching hundreds of students of all ages and conducting thousands of demonstrations. It is a priority for me to be inclusive of diverse gender identities, races, cultures, learning styles, and emotional differences, and to make skills accessible so students can bring traditional skills to their communities. I have also developed methods for teaching students metalsmithing.

Whether enjoying seeing art or making it, art can make our lives better. It is my hope that you find some inspiration in the arts!

The Baobob tree has inspired my creative work since 1999. I discovered the Baobab tree when reading National Geographic. This tree is known as the Tree of Life, the tree of Genesis, immortality, which resonates for me spiritually. I found myself sketching this form 100's of times for potential sculptural creations.

Ted Hinman Artist CV

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A Melding of RARE FORGES and METHODS

Ted Hinman combines mediums and rare historical methods into lasting, one-of-a-kind art, jewelry, household items, and hardware that honor nature and history.