CCW: How did you get started metalsmithing?
RW: I was involved in welding first. I was intrigued with oxygen/acetylene torches and the effect the flame had on various metals. I became fascinated with copper and began heating, twisting, and hammering bits of scrap copper pipe, wire etc. I played around for a couple of years while reading every book I could find in the library on metalworking. Eventually I started a small business making copper lanterns, planters, and ornaments. After moving to Juneau in 1981 I learned goldsmithing from a friend who owned a downtown jewelry store. I worked with silver for a number of years and then added copper again as well as nickel silver. I started making spoons about the time I moved to Gustavus in 1997.
CCW: Do you have any particular creative routines or habits — favorite spaces to work, times of day, materials you use, music you listen to, etc.?
RW: I usually work for two hours before breakfast, another two hours before lunch and then two hours or so after lunch. I find the two hours before lunch to be the most productive. My work is always in my shop which is only 10 steps out my back door. On very nice days I can move some work outside. My materials are copper, nickel silver, iron, and occasionally sterling silver or gold. I mostly listen to Celtic music as I work. Much of my work has a Celtic air about it, so Celtic music is a good fit.
CCW: How much metalsmithing do you usually get done in a one-day period?
RW: A large ladle may take a day or more or I might make four smaller spoons in a day. People often ask how long it takes to make a spoon. I like to answer 30 years. It has taken that long to learn how to make one quickly enough to be able to sell it at a reasonable price. It is true of all artisan/craftsmen; all their years of experience are concentrated and focused in the piece they are creating.
CCW: What are you working on now, and when do you hope to finish it?
RW: I am presently working on copper ladles, measuring spoon sets, serving spoons, and coin spoons for the upcoming holiday season to sell here in Gustavus, Juneau, and online.
CCW: What do you find particularly inspiring?
RW: I am inspired by the metals I work with. Each on has a different character that must be understood to work it properly. On copper ladles, I especially try to keep the design simple enough so as to not overshadow the natural beauty of the metal. I think this inspiration came from the famous silversmith Paul Revere (who spent considerably more time working with metals than warning of the British coming). I am inspired by Southeast Alaska and Gustavus in particular. Looking out over the beach at the ever changing panoramic view is inspiring. I am also inspired when I go to the post office or grocery store and I rub shoulders with the great people who live here.
CCW: What advice have you heard (either directly, from someone you know, or indirectly, from reading or otherwise learning about another artist) that’s been beneficial to you? Separately, do you have any advice for other artists?
RW: As for advice to artists and craft people: just keep at it. For myself, what I am doing now is based on years of trial and error and a sense of curiosity. I am always wondering what will happen if I do something different to a piece of metal from what my normal procedure is.
Ben Caldwell, a noted metalsmith from the Nashville Tennessee area, made this statement: “I am always humbled, honored, and even surprised that people will give me their hard earned money for what I do. I am still grateful for that.” That seems a good attitude for any artist.
Roger Williams of Gustavus works old or foreign coins into many of his spoons and ladles.
One of metalsmith Roger Williams’ creations.
