I spent 4 years in the Navy and I was very happy to serve my country.
After I left the military, I found myself with PTSD and a lot of painful memories.
I went to a therapist and she told me to come up with a way to help get rid of the images I had in my mind. She suggested drawing or painting as an outlet. I really did not prefer drawing or painting. I prefer using my hands in a more tactile way. I started collecting old pieces of iron and metal. At first, I didn’t have a lot of ideas about ways to use the iron and metal. After taking some classes at a college, I learned a little bit of information about ways to use iron and metal to create the most amazing art installations. My very first project required 316 stainless steel and 16 gauge rebar tie wire. The 316 stainless steel is important, because it is the metal that is best used for bending and stretching, and it is very resistant to corrosion and rust. I had to use a lot of different tools to bend and mold the 316 stainless steel and 16 gauge rebar tie wire. When I was finished with the art project, I had created a beautiful and modern warship that was absolutely authentic to the one that I served on during my time in the military. That project was the first one that I ever created and I still think that it is my best work. I have had other projects in the last couple of years, but the military ship is near and dear to my heart.