As I waited to be able to cut out my metal on the CNC Plasma machine, I chose to do a 2ft test with rebar and hand plasma cut discs. I could see what could become issues before I cut into the good stuff. Using the handheld plasma tool is nerve-wracking. I have found that I have to be vigilant about keeping a 90-degree angle while cutting, or it doesn't cut all the way through. I also found that cutting to the left goes smoother for me than cutting to the right. I also observed that cutting out pieces more significant than 2 inches is easier.
After cutting these, I cut three pieces of rebar two feet long and worked on welding the discs to them. After playing with welding magnets and placing everything on the welding table, I could attach everything and have it bend a bit. It's far from perfect, as the pieces are. Precisely as I would have liked, but it was good that I got the practice of not relying on my technical skills.
Each week, I try to find other artists whose sculptures I enjoy. One that has my attention this week is Michael Aschenbrenner. His work is in blowing glass in the shape of bones. He then makes splints from items most people would easily find, breaks the bone, and splints it back together. When he was in the Army, he broke his leg, making the glass pieces allow him to work through his thoughts and feelings about his injury.
I have also found an artist alliance for US Veterans. I emailed the group about their process of becoming a member. They got back to me, and we will have a Zoom call on the 8th. I know that when I am done with school, networking is essential. So, finding others who will support my work as an artist is important to me.
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