Like the etching and formation of the curvaceous Tennessee River, there is meaning and strength in my surroundings. It is here where I engrave my small mark on this beautiful spot of God’s green earth.

Ever since I can remember I wanted to do something creative with my life. From high school and majoring in art ‘til now, I am motivated by a calling. A passion. This life infatuation was born from the medium of hand engraving, and honed by the discipline I learned from martial arts.

I started 25 years ago making jewelry which landed me a job at Rone Regency Jewelers where the owner, Frank Varillo, sent me to monogramming and engraving school. I quickly earned the certification of registered master goldsmith. But recognition for the skills I learned in hand engraving and from scroll work mastery from renowned engraver, Scott Pilkington, didn’t match the joy I felt in creating my own works of art. So I became self taught, living my own philosophy. To me, hand engraving is sculpture, drawing, illustration, love notes, signature one-of-a-kind piece etched and forged with gentle force, energy and control. AND, a huge dose of god given talent. The discipline needed is unmatched except for the skills of a martial artist, and that is why I am still on the mat becoming a master teacher.

And, that’s why I do what I do today.  I also find myself doing some construction – a natural supplement for someone who is disciplined in the art of precision and exactness.

My wife and family are daily inspiration. I am truly blessed with family that understands my calling and my need to etch my time through expression – from the inside out..

Art colors life and decorates feelings!

—John Hise

• My skill as a craftsman includes mastery in:
  
• Deep relief
  
• Sculpted scroll
  
• Fine line shading
  
• Selective inlay
  
• Full-covering engraving
  
• Names and monograms
  
• 24K gold inlay
  
• Ornamental scroll
  
• Mild relief background
  
• Western bright cut
  
• Traditional scroll
  
• Gun scroll
  
• Beaded or textured background