It is rare to find someone these days who is as dedicated and passionate about their craft as Dan Nauman is. Master blacksmith Dan Nauman practices his work at Bighorn Forge- his shop that is located in Kewaskum, Wisconsin. Nauman began forging in 1979 and has since opened up other shops and become a full-time forger. He has taught, demonstrated and lectured about forging at a variety of institutions and locations across the country, sharing his wealth of knowledge and exceptional work of his craft with others. You can sign up for a forging workshop or blacksmith class here.
Nauman designs and makes a variety of work, including door hardware (handles, hinges, latches, door knockers), fences, railings, gates, fireplace tools, lighting (chandeliers, candelabras and wall sconces), sculptures and window hardware (curtain rods, grilles and false balconies). His variety of work can be seen in homes, businesses and institutions alike.
His work varies widely, but always features the highest of quality and most imaginative of details. His works often feature flowing forms, different types of metal and intricate designs. He is often inspired by the natural world and the teachings of Jesus Christ. He takes materials most people would consider to be junk or antiques and uses them as tools to create beautiful art. His methods are based on controlled use of the hammer, using accepted forging discipline.
Nauman has won two international awards for his design and workmanship from the “National Ornamental and Miscellaneous Metals Association” (NOMMA) for a chandelier made for the “Captain Frederick Pabst Mansion” in Milwaukee, WI, and for a sculptural gate made for a private party residing in Port Washington, WI. He has also received two grants to study and promote famed metal master Cyril Colnik’s work through a video documentary. Later on, he had the opportunity to redesign the Cyril Colnik galleries at the Villa Terrace Decorative Arts Museum.
CS Hardware is excited to feature some of Nauman’s beautiful work on the hand forged iron pieces on their rolling barn door. You can purchase these indoor rolling doors at CS Hardware’s website and see the different roller strap styles he created. To learn more about Nauman, you can visit his website or blog.