Frequently asked questionsHow do you cut the metal art pieces? Do you have a computerized laser? Each piece of artwork is hand-cut with a plasma torch. I do not use a computer program for any of the cutting. Therefore each piece of art is an original. This means that even if some designs are similar, each one will be just a little different to make it uniquely the customer's own. Wouldn't it just be easier to do everything with a computer? It definitely would be "easier" and a lot faster to use a computerized method for producing this art. That is how a good majority of metal artist do manufacture their pieces. However in keeping with the theory that each person is an individual, I like to stay away from the "machined" type of work. By hand cutting, I can offer my customer a piece of original artwork and they won't be purchasing something that hundreds of other people have. Where do you get your patterns? Can I buy patterns to do my own work? Because I free hand each piece of artwork, there are no specific patterns. I do not sell any of my drawings as patterns. Many times I just draw the scene directly on the metal. They are all my original artwork, and if I were to sell my work as patterns, I would no longer be able to offer my customer original pieces of artwork. Each piece of art that I make has a small part of me in it. I like to encourage people to do their own style of art, using patterns they make themselves, this way they can share bits of themselves as I do with all my work. Can I learn how to use the plasma torch? Anyone can run a plasma torch, however it takes a bit of a knack. I believe you must be somewhat of an artist in the first place to start to do this type of work. The equipment is also expensive to buy and maintain, albeit if it is just a hobby for you and you are not looking for a quick return on your investment a plasma torch can be a fun toy. How long have you been doing this type of work? Did you go to University to learn how to do art? I have been drawing my whole life . . . mostly horses as you can tell. I have been in the custom art business for about 21 years, the commercial sign industry for about 15 years and I have been doing metal art for 4 years. I am a completely self taught artist with no formal training. I have just mainly "picked up" the techniques for the different art/sign genres by seeing that type of thing and deciding "I would like to try it" You must lead a glamourous life as an artist . . . Your home must be full of this type of work! I wouldn't say life is glamourous. I would say that I do love my job and that makes life pretty good. Most people do not realize that this type of work is very physically demanding, having to move heavy sheets of steel, standing on cement, bent over a cutting table for 9-12 hours a day is far from glamourous. The least attractive aspect of the job is being covered in metal oxide soot after cutting. Wearing a dust mask and goggles is mandatory as the health risks in this job are great. The metal dust (small metal particles) a by product of cutting is quite nasty and not very healthy for one's lungs. Creative minds are wonderful things and that is probably the most enjoyable part of the job; being able to express my creativity. It can be a curse at times too, laying awake nights thinking about new products and designs that I want to make. The rewards are great though, when I see customers delighted with the pieces I have custom made for them. As for pieces in my own home, I do have a few, but as they say . . . the mechanic's car is fixed last. I am usually too busy making items for other people to make any for myself. |
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