Bryan started metal work as a child, alongside his blacksmith Grandfather. He built his own forge and at 16 he started his apprenticeship as a silver and gold smith. Then he travelled Ireland learning the old traditions from blacksmiths. He became an accomplished crafter of sculptures, swords and jewelry. He went on to give courses in traditional blacksmithing and blade-smithing for the Irish Crafts Council. Later Bryan gained renown for creating spiritual and symbolic artefacts of the Afro Cuban Lakumí religion, helping recover their ancient metal working methods.