Forge and Foundry Podcast: Ellen Durkan & Derick Kemper: Where Fire Shapes Art

In this episode of the Forge and Foundry Podcast, Tony and Kerry sit down with Ellen Durkan and Derick Kemper to explore the artistry, discipline, and emotion behind their work in metal. Ellen, creator of Forged Fashion, shares how she blends blacksmithing with performance and sculpture to create wearable works that express vulnerability and empowerment. Derick, founder of Damselfly Forge and a Forged in Fire champion, discusses his journey as a bladesmith, the balance between precision and creativity, and how forging became both a craft and a calling. Together, they reflect on the physical and mental demands of working with metal, the importance of storytelling through design, and how the forge continues to shape their growth as artists and individuals.