Hou Yongtao is a blacksmith who gives great value to the process of making. After graduating from school, he worked at a local steel mill where his journey in blacksmithing started. In 2015, he created his own brand and workshop, Heron Forge. The activities of Hou Yongtao and his workshop range from customized objects, accessories and furniture to education and product design.

A great capacity for scientific and aesthetic investigation. Innate freedom of curious and playful. His practice allows more people know and fall in love with this [disappearing] craft. Hou Yongtao intertwines oriental aesthetics with contemporary design and modern technology, the handmade and human touch remains at the heart of his work, reinforcing an intuitive and emotional approach to his practice.