Kind of a combination introduction to the community, and inquiry. Been a lurker for quite a while, and am really thankful for all the great info stored here!
Anyway, as a bit of background; I've always loved metal work. I was interested in all kinds of Art, but was never any good at drawing (born lefty, but was converted), and found in high school that machine shop had piqued my interests. But I was told college was the thing for one with my test scores, so I went and gave engineering school a shot. Not the line of work for me. Then, about four years ago I was up late one night and saw a special on PBS in the shop of a Smith in Mobile who did simply beautiful work. I soon started taking forging lessons every weekend and was absolutely hooked. A year or so after starting lessons, an instructor invited me to move to Birmingham (AL) where I still reside to help form and work in a shop and give beginner level lessons. Long story short, I slowly came to realize said instructor was scamming myself and everyone else involved. So, I've been working with other metal artists in town as much as they need my help, but it just isn't making ends meet. If someone knows of a shop in or near Bham that needs a helping hand, even if only part time, I would greatly appreciate the chance to apply. A sizeable portion of my body of work can be found at: www.facebook.com/iron.lotus.artworks
By the way, sorry if there was a more appropriate board. I looked around and this seemed the one most related to the topic.
Thanks so much for your time spent reading, and again for the wealth of knowledge this forum provides to Artists. Have a good one.
