[Michael Pikula]

I lovingly named my pile of sword that traveled to Ashokan the "Pikula Hoard" since it is the largest collection of my work to ever be photographed or seen together. I think it shows a decent example of some of the different techniques that I work with, and diversity in style. That being said, the inlay work on the hilt of the right most viking sword is not mine, it was a collaborative effort with Jeff Helms, I made the blade and fittings, Jeff did the inlay work and I assembled the fittings and made the grip.

Shameless plug but four of the six swords are still looking for a home, you can find more information and details at, http://michaelssmithy.com/Michaels_Smithy/Ava...e_Now.html

I've gotten a few questions about Ashokan, and to share my experience and what I've learned and taken away. I will not get into every detail, nor subjects that have been asked to be kept confidential. What I did come away with was a whole different approach and level of thinking that I dismissed before. I was able to meet and talk with many great minds that have opened up the door to this craft in an artistic fashion and got my wheels turning in a way that was closed off before. When I was attending college, everyone in my art classes viewed my blacksmith work as something of a craft, and there was no "art" or "fine art" involved. Like a childish fool I believed them and I locked away all the things that didn't have to do with the creation of a sword and accepted it as purely craft. I always felt that there had to be an element of art in the object being created, the moment that a blade wakes from it's slumber and starts to take on a character of its own, there had to be art and magic in that exact moment! But if the world didn't want to see it that way then I would simply have to make due. Now I hear and know that there are others that feel, live and breathe this art of creating as an art form, as one of telling a story or telling a tale, relating to our human psyche, all through the construction of a contemporary object floating through the context of time. I feel new doors opening, new possibilities to explore, and deeper tales to tell then what I have been doing to this date.

While these ideas are not my own, I hope to incorporate them in my work in a meaningful and significant way and find a way to make them unique to the work that I am doing. But words are cheap, back to working and when I feel that these thoughts have manifested in a successful fashion there will be much credit to pay homage to

[Paul Watson]

That photo really does put that monster two hander in context. What a beast.

[Tim Lison]

Nice photo Michael! They look great together. That XIII sure is a monster.

[Michael Edelson]

Michael,

I've already told you all of this, but I want to share with the class.

Seeing your work in person was really amazing. You are a truly talented artist. I can't wait to watch and see what you eventually become.

[Jean Thibodeau]

[William P]

when i just saw the type XIII i sputtered, i was utterly speechless for a good few seconds, i knew it was big but O.O that is ginormous..

[Randy W]

I wish I had the cash for that type XVIII ... truly gorgeous and I actually like the pommel, thin or not it just looks good!

[Jean Thibodeau]

A pic taken at Ashokan by Alan Longmire ( attribution ) that he posted on Don Foggs site:
http://forums.dfoggknives.com/index.php?showtopic=21030&st=0

It's another nice pic of Michael's swords in the attachment below. ( It's also in the link above but you have to scroll down to find it, so I added it in the attachment below for convenience )

[J Helmes]

The hoard looks great! I wish I could have made it to Ashokan. It was an honour to get a chance to work with you on a project and meeting you in person would have been great.