There aren’t many eleven-year-old blacksmiths in this world, but Kalamazoo has one: Wyatt the Blacksmith. This Amplify Kalamazoo video spotlights the iron-pounding boy with a heart of gold created by someone from our last Smartphone Storytelling Class, John Lacko.
The video introduces us to this incredible kid with an unusual hobby for someone so young. Blacksmithing is a physically demanding trade that requires control, finesse, and incredible attention to safety. Some kids may have tried their hand at blacksmithing at a camp or festival, but Wyatt has his own anvil and forge taking his interest to a whole new level.
John interviewed Wyatt as part of the Smartphone Storytelling Class and took footage of the young smithie heating metal and hammering at the anvil. In the class talking about editing, we put the video together while talking about flow, emotion, and the story shaping process. As the hour-long class for the evening came to a close, the video story of Wyatt the Blacksmith was born.
The Kalamazoo area has hundreds of amazing stories that people like John and yourself can bring forward and share with the community. Watch Wyatt the Blacksmith then think about what untold stories surround you. Join us for our next Smartphone Storytelling Class to learn how to make and share the stories that matter to you!
