N.W.B.A. NEWS - An interview with Tri Ficker

An interview with Tri Ficker

Since Tri Ficker has so graciously accepted our request to demonstrate at the fall conference, I thought it might be good to get some background information on him. He was kind enough to answer a few questions so we could all get to know him better.

NWBA: Where do you live and what is it like there?
Tri: I currently reside in Port Townsend. It's a quiet little victorian town that thrives on tourism during our many different festivals that start in late spring and go till October.

NWBA:I know your real first name is Kenneth so how did you get the nickname "Tri"?
Tri:I got my nickname "tri" pretty much the day I was born. I am the third Kenneth Ficker in my family. Most people don't even know my real name and I typically don't realize someone is talking to me if they call me Kenneth.

NWBA:Are you involved in a blacksmithing business?
Tri:I am currently employed with Steve Lopes in Port Townsend doing custom work.

NWBA:What is the first thing that you notice about someone else’s shop?
Tri:When I visit someone else's shop I always look at the layout first.

NWBA: Do you use any special tools? Do you have a favorite?
Tri:My favorite tools are of course my hammer and anvil! I would be lost without them.

NWBA:Was there a person/teacher that was an inspiration to you?
Tri:As far as my learning goes I have many people to thank and acknowledge. Jerry Culberson taught me the fundamentals of blacksmithing, Dean Mook taught me all about layout, and Steve Lopes taught me about design. They are all great teachers and inspirations in the work that I do daily.

NWBA: Do you have previous teaching or demonstrating experience?
Tri:I have taught many classes in the 15 years that I have been a blacksmith. I taught classes at Old Cedar Forge with Jerry Culberson, assisted Dean Mook teaching kids from our local high school, I taught a handfull of classes with students of the Port Townsend Wooden Boat school, and I have done hands on classes at previous NWBA conferences.

NWBA:Can you describe some influences on your work?
Tri:The first shop that I worked in was New Blue Moon Studio in Pashastin, WA. I didn't learn a whole there except that I loved the craft and knew I was going to continue with it. I worked in that shop for 2 1/2 years. After working there I started with Jerry Culberson at Old Cedar Forge as an apprentice. Old Cedar was a lot different than New Blue Moon because I actually learned a lot in the 2 1/2 years that I was there. After leaving Old Cedar I began working for Steve Lopes and have been there ever since.

NWBA:Would you like to talk about or describe your demo?
Tri:I have chosen to make a BBQ set for my demonstration. It will include a spatula and a set of tongs. I have chosen this project because of the many different techniques that I will be using. I will be isolating mass, fullering, punching, tappering and forge welding. I hope that everyone enjoys my demonstration and learns something along the way.

NWBA:Thank you Tri, for taking the time on such short notice to give us all a little insight into who you are. We are looking forward to you demo. See you next week.