ussell Jaqua received a scholarship to study metalsmithing at Penland School of Crafts in North Carolina and, following an apprenticeship in Maryland, worked as a journeyman at the renowned Bondi Metals in Oakland, California and Iron Age Artworks in Toowoomba, Queensland. Since 1976, he has owned and operated Nimba Forge in Port Townsend, Washington. Jaqua's emphasis on boldly textured surfaces reveals his interest in the dramatic play of light and shadow inherent in forged metalwork. His style is known for an elegant physicality that balances formal beauty with the raw power of the metalworking process. He has exhibited both nationally and internationally and been included in such major exhibitions as the inaugural show of the American Craft Museum in New York and the Craft USA exhibition at the Musee des Arts Decoratifs of The Louvre. For more information, see www.nimbaforge.com.

Nimba Forge specializes in one-of-kind sculpture, fountains, furniture, and architectural elements. After searching over a decade for a large-scale double-bick anvil in the Italian style that he had learned to love in the Bondi Metals shop, Jaqua began investigating how to make one for himself. Following five years of research and development to achieve consistent pour and heat treatment results, Russell is proud to make the Nimba Anvils available to metalsmiths all over the world.