Over the years most art jobs have become less hands on and physical to being done mainly on computers. Being a person that has always enjoyed and needed to be physically active, turning to welding was a good fit for me. I was always naturally attracted and pulled to people in the trades and knew many artists that transferred their art into the skills of metal and wood. My spark of interest in welding was not an intentionally thought out move in this career direction but more a chance of fate. I landed at a yard sale of a retiring welder where I purchased my first set of equipment to start out. Then attended a couple blacksmith events and seminars which after I was hooked.

I am often asked since I consider myself a reclaimed artist with my attraction to discarded items, if there is any environmental influence behind this or am I wanting to make a difference in the environment? Both. For one, there is just something about an item that has been used by someone or for a specific use. Over time it takes on it’s own character visually and speaks volumes about that use much like people ageing. Definitely keeps the imagination muscle working. The other aspect is definitely about sustainability and stepping back from a world of consumerism and wastefulness. I have always felt art has a very powerful energy and influence on people. It is a universal language that is relayed visually. I also find it clever to see what people are able to make from everyday discarded items as well as amazed at the quality of fine art that can also be achieved.