Steel Art (repurposed)

Steel Art (repurposed)

by JoAnnah Michael

Winston Salem contact: jamichael2@aol.com or 828-778-1382 (vm or text only) 

STATEMENT

My handmade art is meant to inspire others, as it empowers me to promote women welders by repurposing local steel, welded or plasma cut by hand, into original artistic sculptures.

BIO

When I was 24, I was living in San Diego, California. It was during this time that I watched the movie Flashdance. The movie is based on the life of Pittsburgh welder-turned-dancer Jennifer Beals. My metalwork dream began to take shape at that moment. But it was not until I was 60 years old that the 1983 dream became a reality. Why then? I had been caring for my 90-year-old mom (now in Heaven) and needed an outlet to “recharge,” so I pulled out my “20 Wish List,” and welding was at the top. With years of graphic design and a college master’s behind me, I launched my welding journey, representing years of my life.

I owe learning to MIG weld to MIXXER, an inclusive makerspace here in downtown Winston Salem, North Carolina. MIXXER offered a one-day class, Intro to Welding, in October 2019, which launched my metalwork dream and sparked a passion for other women welders.

A year of improving my welding skills and learning plasma cutting led me to create Steel Art (repurposed), LLC in 2021.

The use of local businesses and the repurposing and recycling of goods and services play a part in my daily life. This is also true of my steel art. The main steel I use in my sculptures is recycled from DH Griffin Company locally here in Greensboro and High Point, North Carolina. Repurposing steel allows my art to be accessible to clients.

My advice to women interested in welding is not to wait “37 years” to follow their dream like I did! Do it now!

Your interest and enjoyment of my weld journey and 2021-current art is greatly appreciated! It’s been a lot of learning to fulfill my lifelong metalwork dream. Thank you so much!

 

Steel Art Repurposed (2021-Current)