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From Central Alabama Arts Alliance

In the artistic community of Chilton County, June 2025 casts a well-deserved spotlight on a blacksmith whose creativity, craftsmanship and dedication have made a lasting impression on both audiences and fellow artisans. This month’s Artist Spotlight honors Steve Culver, a skilled blacksmith whose work blends traditional techniques with a deeply personal passion for utility and heritage.

Culver grew up in Demopolis, eventually settling in Selma. From a young age, Steve was fascinated by traditional methods and the way things were done “in the old days.” His journey into blacksmithing began with an early exposure to welding — he first witnessed someone weld a boat at just 10 years old. That moment sparked a lifelong curiosity. By high school, he was already experimenting with oxy-acetylene welding, a process that uses a high-heat flame produced by burning acetylene with oxygen to melt and join metals. He freely admits that he didn’t fully understand what he was getting into at the time — and has the scars to prove it.

In 1979, Steve joined the Navy to further pursue welding professionally. He completed the rigorous Nuclear Welding Program in 1983, graduating first in his class of four. When asked about his success, he modestly said, “I’m not smart, I’m tenacious,” punctuating the sentiment with a chuckle.

Steve considers himself most proficient in drawing out and shaping metal, though he remains a student of forging. Among the many projects he’s taken on, forge welds remain the most challenging for him, particularly because they’re executed entirely by hand.

A craftsman through and through, Steve has even handmade some of his own tools, including a guillotine tool and spring pullers — further emphasizing his hands-on, self-reliant approach to the craft.

Culver offered us the opportunity to watch him weld steel into a bottle opener, offering a glimpse into how he adapts his techniques in real-time to overcome specific challenges. His creative process is deeply rooted in utility. “I’m not here to mess with your head,” he said while hammering away at red-hot steel. “I’m here to get something done — and right now, I’m here to help you open a beer.”

Functionality is at the heart of Steve’s designs. While many blacksmiths lean into ornate artistry, Steve prefers to create objects that serve a purpose. He finds joy in transforming a raw piece of steel into something practical and useful. To finish his pieces, Steve uses a custom stamp to mark his work, giving each item a professional and personal touch.