Alfred Habermann Tribute

Alfred was one of the demonstrators at the annual California Blacksmith Association Spring Conference many years ago.  People were speaking his name in reverential tones, with awe, as if “David Bowie is here!”  I had never heard of him.  He was described as the “Pope of Blacksmiths” in Europe, there wasn’t anything in metal he couldn’t do.  Alfred was from Austria, and couldn’t speak English.  A blacksmith who could translate for him in German was provided.  He was going to be demonstrating chasing and repousse of a rendition of one of Alfred Durer’s etchings.  At that time, I still only welded; but I was so intrigued by how people revered him, that I wanted to go watch the “rock star.”  I found him to be a delight to look at.  He wasn’t much taller than me, very stout, muscular.  Silver wavy hair, that had once been red, fell to his shoulders.  He wore a heavy silver chain and medallion that he had made.  People in the audience could ask technical questions, which were then translated for him in German.  I didn’t know I would one day also work in copper, so I didn’t have any “technical” questions.  I just enjoyed observing Alfred.  But then I did have a question.  I asked the translator, “Please, ask him, if when he’s working, does he feel a spiritual connection with what he is doing.”  The translator said, “What?!” as if that wasn’t a question.  Alfred knew who in the audience was asking the questions. When he finally heard mine in German, he lifted his head up, his gaze from his bright blue eyes locked on with mine, his nut brown face lit up with a huge open grin……as if to say, “DUH!!!”  I felt so validated.