I have been going to school on and off for years.I go because I I like the challenge of the projects, meeting new people, and using my mind. This spring, I went back to school and took another metal sculpture class which ignited my creative fire. I LOVE going to school and I love being challenged to create whatever project my teacher throws at me. Metalworking makes me feel alive! I love pounding steel into submission and watching the sparks fly when I'm welding . And in the end, hopefully I can produce an object that people admire.
This piece is called Old Man Fish. He has lived a long, rough life and isn't the vicious angler fish he once was. I created a clay sculpture and scanned it in 3D which ultimately resulted in a 3D printed plastic piece. Next, I dipped the plastic piece multiple times in a medium that when baked, makes a hard, hollow mold. Next, bronze was melted and poured into the mold and that's when the real fun started. After the bronze cooled, I used a hammer and other tools to break away the mold. Next, I welded the various parts together to create Mr. Fish. I used various chemicals to create the patina on the body and the green on the eyes and light. It took me about 20 hours to make him and I couldn't be more proud. I think he turned out really well.
I think it's important to challenge yourself in one way or another. Your brain needs to be used and you need to move your body to stay sharp. My metalworking hobby can be very physical - iron, steel and bronze is not light and hammering or bending metal to your will requires strength and stamina. I think about my pieces long before I begin the fabrication process, and I run into challenges while building, so my brain gets a good workout as well.
I will continue to take classes and work on projects at home as long as I am able. It is enjoyable and rewarding to dream up an idea then make something tangible that never existed before. Hopefully after I am long gone, someone will want to keep one of the creations that I made and enjoy it as much as I did. Maybe they will get an idea and create something of their own then inspire someone else to do the same and so on and so on and so on.
If an idea arises, I highly recommend acting upon it. It's amazing what your mind can come up with and it's very rewarding to execute and complete your idea. Get those creative juices flowing people!
