Today we’d like to introduce you to Erin Flores.
Hi Erin, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I studied Art Metals at ACC for a year. Soon after, I was asked to apprentice with a local blacksmith. While apprenticing, I taught blacksmithing at Pioneer Farms and finished my degrees in Anthropology and Archeology at UT. Soon after, I began to teach blacksmithing at the Dougherty Arts Center. I spent two years teaching through their Totally Cool, Totally Art program. Then in 1996, I started my business in Elgin, Texas. Since then, I have been fortunate enough to work on some very fun projects, such as the Zilker Park Trail of Light tunnels. For the past 25 years, I have been creating functional art for homes and businesses all over Texas.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Owning your own business can be difficult for many reasons. Sometimes it is a challenge being a woman in a male-dominated profession. I also have been fortunate to have many mentors to help and inspire me.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I mostly work with steel, but also copper, bronze, and brass. I employ traditional techniques such as a 19th-century coal forge and hand tools as well as modern processes such as mig and tig welding. I build gates, railings, furniture, fireplace sets, and home décor. I also forge bronze and steel jewelry. I specialize in hand-forged custom metalwork. I am most proud of how happy my clients are when they receive their finished product and my diversity of abilities.
Can you share something surprising about yourself?
I grew up overseas.
Contact Info:
- Email: earthenmetals@gmail.com
- Instagram: earthenmetals
- Facebook: earthenmetals
