A peek at Alpine blacksmith and metal artist Todd Elrod
Photos by Jennifer Pittinger
Big Bend Sentinel photographer Jennifer Pittinger recently got a chance to observe Todd Elrod at work in Alpine. In addition to crafting metal works — everything from beer openers and spurs to furniture and jewelry — he regularly plays with the local band the Doodlin’ Hogwallops, soulfully belting out harmonica riffs.
Todd, 44, grew up in New Braunfels, Texas, then attended Sul Ross State University. He developed a passion for metal work around age 19 and has been lighting up the fire ever since, forging scrap into custom items for customers from around the world. Another current pursuit is an effort to preserve an old rail station, which the Sentinel reported on in May.
Elrod hammers out his pieces at his Broken Anvil Blacksmithing studio.
As Elrod once told Texas Highways magazine: “I love it when the forge roars and the iron turns red hot. With time, patience, and practice, you can shape and mold the iron to your will.”
A friend in Maynard, Texas, gave Elrod his first anvil, launching him on a new path.
You can see more of Elrod on Instagram @broken_anvil_blacksmithing
