Completed Projects
MOJA Arts Festival 2023 “Honorable Mention”
The Blacksmith’s Workshop. Ekphrasis – This is a picture of Carlton Simmons, master blacksmith and Charleston native. Carlton entered The Philip Simmons Workshop at the age of 13. He has since created gates and artifact around the lowcounty. The workshop is located at 30 1/2 Blake Street, Charleston, SC. #mojaartsfestival
North Charleston Arts Fest 2024 “Honorable Mention”
“A Beautiful Dawn”
MOJA Arts Festival 2024
Ekphrasis: Damon L. Fordham is an accomplished author, tour guide, and Adjunct Professor of History at The Citadel and Charleston Southern University. He leads a walking tour titled “The Lost Stories of Black Charleston,” has received recognition from the South Carolina House of Representatives, and possesses significant historical knowledge and musical talent. Pictured are Mr. Fordham and myself at the Charleston City Gallery, in front of my piece titled: The Storyteller : D Fordham.
North Charleston Arts Fest 2025
Ekphrasis: Bulls Island is a part of Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge. The barrier island, which is only accessible by ferry, has miles of pristine beach. This forms the longest undeveloped coastline on the east coast called Boneyard Beach. Boneyard Beach, on the northeast corner, is renowned for its sun-bleached, downed trees, which create a striking “graveyard” appearance. This location exemplifies the ongoing struggle against the surf, highlighting the dynamic and changing aspects of the natural landscape.
Piccolo Spoleto 2025
The piece is called “In Memory the Last Blacksmith: Carlton Simmons”
Ekphrasis: This is Carlton Simmons, nephew of the master blacksmith Phillip Simmons, working in the famed workshop. The workshop is located at Downtown at 30 1/2 Blake Street, Charleston SC. Carlton begin apprenticing at early age of 13. Carlton’s passion for forging iron by hand is clear in every piece he makes. Since the passing of Phillip Simmons and Joseph Pringle, Carlton was the only blacksmith continuing the legacy. He continued to make pieces though the Philip Simmons Foundation until his passing in September 2024.
