Dale Enochs (Chaos to Order)
Welcome to this week's #benchmarkspotlight (formerly the #weldershowcase) - we had the opportunity to sit down with Dale from @daleenochs and talk a little shop.
If you would like to be featured in our weekly spotlight (100% FREE) and have a chance at winning one of our Grinder Hoods please send us an email to leo.benchmarkabrasives@gmail.com to get you scheduled in an upcoming week. And for those of you that take the time to share your story with us, we'd be happy to provide a free BA banner. These spotlights are intended to highlight your skill, your business, and your tips and tricks. Most of all it's to have a little fun!
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Name: Dale Enochs
Business Name: CTO (Chaos to Order)
Location: Bloomington, IN
Website: www.daleenochs.com
YouTube: Search for Dale Enochs
Specialties: Stone and Metal Sculpture
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Tell us about yourself - what inspired you to get into your trade? And how long? My grandmother was what I call a Victorian Parlor Artist. She had scrapbooks filled with drawings, poetry, and stories, and as a child, I loved going through them. Those scrapbooks were my introduction to Art. I was about five years old when that began, and I’ve not stopped.
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What keeps you motivated throughout the day? I want to learn, and I want to inspire myself and others. I would like to create open conversations with those who see my work. I strive to create interesting work that engages others. I have been and continue to be driven. |
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What is your favorite shop tool and why? My bridge crane is my favorite shop tool. (Although I do have two). I could not have done what I have done without my bridge cranes. It’s nice to be able to pick up thousands of pounds of material and arrange it in an orderly manner. |
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What's your favorite piece that you've worked on? My favorite piece is usually what I am currently working on. I learn from new work; old works are artifacts of a learning process. All that said, I am especially happy with my work for the Indiana Statehouse and the Indianapolis Airport. |
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If you could have any job as it relates to question 1 what would it be and what would you do with that? I have a wonderful “job”. I cannot think of a better one. I have been very fortunate. |
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What BA product is your favorite and why?
I first became impressed with the cutoff wheels. They last much longer than the name-brand wheels that I have been using. That said, I have recently become a fan of your surface conditioning flap disks and the unitized wheels. I have been learning how to polish stainless steel, and these items have been very helpful.
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What BA product surprised you in terms of quality - what about it set it apart from the competition?
This was answered in the previous question. The cutoff discs are great! But now I’m loving the Unitized Wheel.
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What tips and tricks do you have for us that might be different or eye opening for others to try with BA product?
I’m learning that polishing Stainless steel takes time and patience. Persistence and dedication may be the operative words here. That goes hand in hand with the right tools. I’ve asked a lot of questions of people at BA. I have also read their tutorials. This has steered me toward BA conditioning discs, unitized wheels, and buffing compounds. I still have to be patient.
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If there was one person you could collaborate with - who would it be and why?
I’m afraid that I have two. Albert Paley is a master of contemporary metal sculpture.
The other is Jaume Plensa. He is a contemporary Spanish sculptor whom I greatly admire. I wish that I could spend time in both of these artists' shops so that I might absorb their energy and observe their processes. |
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Do you have any advice for the next generation that you wish you had when you first started?
Find someone that you admire and work with them. Don’t be shy. Do not become discouraged. Seek Knowledge. Read history, psychology, and philosophy. Read anything that stirs your mind. If possible, visit other cultures. If not, read about them, go to museums.
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What are your future plans for your shop?
I plan to work as long as I am physically able to do so. I tend to be fairly optimistic, but there are times, of course when things do not reflect that optimism. Through experience, I keep going, and inevitably, things always pick up.
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Thanks for sitting with us and sharing your story with the community - is there anything you'd like to add?
I think that it is great that Benchmark solicits these interviews. People have an opportunity to see what is being done elsewhere. I am also grateful for the tutorials that Benchmark provides. You are sharing valuable knowledge. Thank you.
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Additional work by Dale There are Rivers (installation) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BcnTymBiecY Andrea Bocelli presentation sculpture https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q-ZIAeNIOjE Virtual Video of Time Flow https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OV9NVAnVOcE Journey Indiana, Bloomington Banquet https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pT6INmSiifs&t=6s FWMoA Talk https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8U1IfPK3ZhI&t=119s Set in Stone https://vimeo.com/256331159 |
A Note From Leo
Thanks for sharing your story with us, Dale! Really impressed with your sculptures and look forward to seeing more of your creations! Also, thank you for the kind words!