When we moved to our beautiful wooded lot just outside of Bobcaygeon two years ago, I asked my husband to build me a little studio where I could display and store my work, but most importantly so I could work outside. I love to weld but it is not the healthiest trade, especially indoors.
My workspace consists of a 8′ x 2′ workbench with a vice mounted on it and a welder and plasma cutter by my side. Add a grinder, some vice grips, a wire brush and emery cloth and that completes all the tools I need to make my sculptures! Surprising that so little tools and some brute strength on my part can create such hefty garden art pieces!
When my working season starts (I don’t endure the winters outside!), I place a large metal order and it gets delivered to my doorstep. The metal comes to me in 20′ lengths, so immediately I get to cutting it into the various pieces I need to create my sculptures. That is a long and tedious process and I am happy to get to the next step of bending each piece by hand on my bench vice. Once the pieces are formed to my liking, I get my skull flamed welding helmet on (a Christmas gift from my husband) and get welding. This is where the vice grips come in handy, to clamp each piece securely before I weld. Then a little cleaning up with a brush and emery cloth and the piece is ready for a stone.
I am really enjoying my new workspace. Having worked in many environments, I have had some time to think about an ideal setup and this is it. I’m enjoying the outdoors while I work. What more can you ask for? My “Rockhound Reg” is usually in a shaded spot by my side and occasionally my workbench is put to a different use, a good shave to cool him off!
If you are making a trip Bobcaygeon way, please feel free to drop by my studio. I am open from May long weekend to Thanksgiving, Friday to Sunday (and holidays), 11-4. If that doesn’t work into your schedule, I also welcome appointments. Call or text me at 705-341-5738.
Sandy will be in the gallery next on August 17th.
