At the time, I wasn't sure that this was a good thing, but he assured me that it was wonderful. I didn't realize how literal his vision would be until I found myself staring into a white hot welding fire twenty years later and made the connection. The craftsman has an affinity for his materials and for the processes. Working with fire has been one of the attractions of forging.
Fire is a powerful and dangerous ally, it accounts for the alchemy of the craft.
If I am away from the fire for too long, my direction falters and when I fire up, I am revitalized. Fire skills are the first to leave for me also. If I am struggling, it often starts with the fire. I will rebuild or redesign my forge routinely as I gain more understanding or to reacquaint myself with the flame. A right fire is wonderful to work with and can unlock matter making it responsive and expressive.