Jerry Dornbach has an extensive and diverse background, having worked in both industrial and corporate fields. His interest in metalsmithing and artistic blacksmithing grew out of a lifelong creative impulse. He was able to develop his creativity and metalworking skills during an early career in industry as a welder, welder fabricator and pipeline welder. In 1985, he began the craft of manipulating hot iron in his studio, creating forged metal sculptures for private use.