Myth Becomes Reality

Using ancient techniques coupled with contemporary tools and ideas, I bring artifacts from the shadows of myth and dream into the light of day.

Illustrations

As an illustrator and contemporary visual artist I'm inspired by ancient artifacts and material culture.

Concept Art

I design objects and ornamentation to create authentic culture for imaginary worlds. My concept art draws on twenty years of experience in interpreting and re-imaging ancient material culture and mythology.

Public Speaker

I have made presentations as an expert in ancient swordsmithing and material culture at conferences in the UK and across the US and Canada.

Swordsmith

Over my 20 year career as a professional swordsmith I've learned to forge, cast metal, carve wood, tool leather, and create swords informed by historical research at museums, and a deep love of ancient culture and myth.

Jake Powning

I'm a contemporary artist, swordsmith, concept designer, and storyteller exploring the roots of European mythology. Here you can find a portfolio of my past work, swords, drawings and digital paintings, and read my blog which is full of images of my work, stories, and tutorials about how I make some of the things I make.

Giant's Sword

In this video I document the process of sculpting the hilt for the massive giant's sword described in the epic poem Beolwulf. Together with Owen Bush I'm rebuilding this sword.

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Bronze Casting

In this visual tutorial I carve and then cast the pommel of a mythic cave bear themed sword. If you enjoy this video, be sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel for more!

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Hilting a War Seax

This is an over the shoulder video of fitting and carving the grip to a large seax— a type of Iron Age Germanic war-knife.

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Carving Tutorial

I’ve had many requests to do a tutorial on handle carving, so I decided to document the carving of the grip on this long sword. It’s a long grip (11 1/2 “) so the process is a bit different than working on something shorter.First I will lay out the tools …

Composite Pattern-Welded Viking Sword Tutorial

This is a tutorial I did in 2003. It was the first composite pattern welded sword I made and I can still remember the nervous excitement of planning the project. I received a grant from my local arts funding organization (Arts NB) to give me the time to make the …