Hello Steve,
I was just looking at your pictures today of your father and you and a lot of different pieces of yours I had not seen before. I am sorry it has taken me so long to get back to this blog. I had a birthday this last weekend and a lot going on. I start school on Monday. I have not checked into ABANA.org yet but will soon. I am looking to finish this year in West Virginia and considering moving anywhere that I can find what I need, which is to work in a shop like yours or Enrique Vegas. I am very involved in my art community to the point that I become frustrated with not getting to do metal work enough. I am somewhat limited by the equipment I don't have. I would like to take a year and just immerse myself in a metal working environment. I have already gone to school for welding and actually finished an associates in welding technology. Let me know if you would be interested in taking on an apprentice for a year in about a year or so. Think cheap labor! It is hard to hook up with the few metal artists that are here due to location and time available. I tend to be very experimental and self taught when it comes to my steel work. I read a lot and have set in on forging classes when I went to Mt Arrowmont for an enameling class a few years ago. I am a jeweler and a gemologist too.

Stephen Fitz-Gerald

Stefani,
You sound like you're on your way...
I haven't taken on any apprentices for a number of reasons,chiefly among them is the fact that I cannot share psychic space when in the creative mode. My studio is tiny and insufficient for instruction on nearly any level. Liability of teaching at least in California is a significant consideration when it involves potentially dangerous equipment and techniques. The economy is in a shambles and I'm living hand to mouth at this point. Not having commissions has allowed me to make all the stuff I wouldn't have time for otherwise...

Stephen,
Did you ever make that hair ornament that looks like the moth in your picture. I doubt I could afford, but would love to see. I have some pretty big curly hair and I love art nouveau. I totally understand about the apprenticeship thing. Too bad for me. I hope you change your mind, though. I do have my OSHA card. I am well aware of the risks we take using so many power tools and all. Your shop can't be as small as mine if you have a plasma cutter. I hope your new pieces are coming along well. I really enjoy your work.

Stephen Fitz-Gerald

Dear Stefani,
you'll have to provide a link to the pic you're talking about.
I'm clueless...LOL

Just curious, what is an OSHA card? What does that qualify you in?

www Metalrecipes -- heat and beat to the desired shape, repeat as necessary.
warren

It means that you should be able to maintain a safe work enviroment and that you know all your safety equipment, tanks, fire extinguishers and stuff like that. You take a ten hour class and take a test. It qualifies you not to blow yourself up or catch on fire!hee!hee! Let's hope, anyway!