"I was your classic geek in the late 70s and 80s," says artist Shawn Bina. "I was a huge Dungeons and Dragons fanatic and really into fantasy novels, and it's something that stuck with me my whole life." For Bina, that passion for fantasy has led to crafting and designing ornate swords, daggers, and axes.
At the age of 15, Bina told his mother that he wanted to make fantasy swords. At the time, he was told "no." But now, as a retiree, Bina pursues his craft without the need for parental permission. "I really try and stay as true as I can to my fantasy themes," says Bina regarding the imagery and patterns that end up on his blades. Before starting a new blade, Bina is also keen on creating a fantasy story to couple with the artwork.
Bina will be at the Park Point Art Fair on June 29th and 30th to showcase and sell his wares. More information about Shawn and his work can be found on his website, Guild of the Gilded Hilt, and on his YouTube channel.
You can hear Community Connection every Tuesday and Thursday at 8am on Northland Morning.
