Donna McCullough (@donnamccullough.sculptor)
Welcome to this week's #benchmarkspotlight (formerly the #weldershowcase) - we had the opportunity to sit down with Donna from @donnamccullough.sculptor 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: Donna McCullough
Business Name: McCullough Creative, Inc.
Location: Maryland
Website: mcculloughstudio@me.
Specialties: Steel sculpture, indoor/outdoor
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Tell us about yourself - what inspired you to get into your trade? And how long? I started sculpting in 1995. I was inspired by Degas' Little Dancer and Deborah Butterfield’s work that I saw at The Baltimore Museum of Art
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What keeps you motivated throughout the day? I enjoy creating, so going into my studio is always fun and inspiring. Also my horses and the outdoors. |
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What is your favorite shop tool and why? I have more than one but my Hobart mig welder because it’s so easy to use and really sped up my welding. |
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What's your favorite piece that you've worked on? My favorite, currently is Freedom, a winged piece that is wall mounted. |
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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 am currently working on an outdoor kinetic piece which is a new challenge and possibly a new direction. |
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What BA product is your favorite and why?
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What BA product surprised you in terms of quality - what about it set it apart from the competition?
Your flap disks are great. I use flap disks more than any other and yours really last so much longer than others.
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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?
Not sure than I have any eye opening tips! One thing that I do is use welds as decor in my pieces and when you go over the welds it creates beautiful ornamentation and details o my dresses and bodices.
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If there was one person you could collaborate with - who would it be and why?
There are so many artists that I admire that would be hard to choose one. The point of collaboration would be to contribute to each others process and thinking, learn from each other, have fun and create something fabulous
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Do you have any advice for the next generation that you wish you had when you first started?
Be open and go beyond your fears.
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What are your future plans for your shop?
Keep expanding my creativity and be open to new expressive ideas.
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Thanks for sitting with us and sharing your story with the community - is there anything you'd like to add?
There’s room for everyone to be creative.
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A Note From Leo
Thanks for sharing your story with us, Donna! I noticed the welds being used as a decorative feature before seeing your answer and was really intrigued by it. Looking forward to seeing more of your work.