I started working with metal…
…last fall. I took an art metals class and took on a ginormous project that is still not quite done but only because I’m so picky about my vision for the finished project. I only mention it because I noticed tonight that after all the various art classes that I’ve taken (drawing, acrylic painting, photoshop, design studio, typography, and some others I can’t remember right now), as I look around me, I see more of my metal projects than anything else I’ve produced. I have the bronze heart on a stand, the aluminum “I love you” hands, the copper rose, the pinetree-sun-moon scene. Outside are the model for the phoenix and the very nearly finished big phoenix. I guess I’m happier with my metal working than with anything else I’ve done. I think it feels more like I’ve actually produced something from within me.
I’ve had three great teachers. Jim taught me to love metal working. Scott taught me the joy of metal working. Bill is teaching me the craft of metal working. I am so fortunate to have three truly great and supportive teachers.
I think I have greater ownership of the things that I’ve made in metal than the things I’ve made in the other classes. I don’t know why that is but there it is. I think I feel more connected to metal than I have with every other medium.
Today I learned how to use a cutting torch and I cut a design out of a 16” long, 6” diameter steel pipe. It was exhilarating. The line that I cut looks like I have Parkinson’s but I have every confidence that I can get better.
I think that demonstrates another realization that I had tonight. I’m learning to take a leap of faith more often and sooner with metal working than I usually do. I am a very cautious person and prefer security over risk. I am uncomfortable walking downstairs without being able to see the steps (yet another reason I am not a dancer). Scott taught me how to use the cutting torch, I practiced on some flat metal, I practiced on some spare pipe, then I cut my design. I just jumped in thinking that it would be better to get it done and move on with the other parts of the project than to meditate and practice until I was confident and dawdle and worry.
