Grant Myers (IG: _gsm.fabrication_)
Welcome to this week's #weldershowcase - we had the opportunity to sit down with Grant from @_gsm.fabrication_ and talk a little shop.
If you would like to be featured in our weekly showcase (100% FREE) please send us an email to leo.benchmarkabrasives@gmail.com to get you scheduled in an upcoming week. These showcases are intended to highlight your skill, your business, and your tips and tricks. Most of all it's to have a little fun!
Enjoy and Grind On!
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Name: Grant Myers Business Name: GSM Fabrication Location: Johnsburg, IL. Socials: IG: @_gsm.fabrication_ FB: _gsm.fabrication_ Websites: www.gsmfabrication.com Specialties: Metal Sculpture & Stainless TIG Welding |
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Tell us about yourself - what inspired you to get into your trade? And how long? Junior year of high school, I was brought the idea of participating in SkillsUSA. I started welding classes as well during that time. However, I was 17 and for me to participate in a welding competition was rather difficult due to testing. The only competition that I was eligible for was "Welding sculpture". I ended up scraping my knowledge and short experience of welding, to make a detailed Indian Headdress. Which turned out Amazing! After that, the spark came alive and I inspired myself by unlocking a creative side that I never knew existed. I wanted to keep furthering my creativity and ultimately take it to a bigger level.
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What keeps you motivated throughout the day? My perspective and attitude keeps me motivated, the fact I'm alive and can create is simply amazing. With the talent I have, I'm forever thankful and will keep facing challenges to motivate and build myself. |
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What is your favorite shop tool and why? As of right now, I'd say my favorite shop tool is my Di-Acro pipe bender. It's such a unique tool and I use it for almost every project. |
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What's your favorite piece that you've worked on? I've worked on a variety of cool pieces, however my favorite up to this point is my aquatic squid. It was very challenging but the process of creating it and seeing it come together was the best part. I always love a challenge that builds character. |
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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? Continuing to be a metal sculptor / Artist. I want to be able to provide my talent and skill to the world and make a greater impact on it. |
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What BA product is your favorite and why?
2" Mini Flap Discs, they have a lot of life to them which allows me to work longer and they also get into challenging spots. |
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If there was one person you could collaborate with - who would it be and why?
Alan Williams. He was one of the first metal artists I discovered and his work is so fascinating. He will forever inspire me, the way he uses his mind is out of this world. Creativity at it's finest.
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Do you have any advice for the next generation that you wish you had when you first started?
Failure is not the opposite of success, It's simply part of success. Life is full of chapters, and once those chapters build you and define you...Only keep building yourself. Find something you enjoy and keep chipping away at it. |
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What are your future plans for your shop?
My plans are simply to expand, to grow and build bigger for myself and my future.With growth, the sky's the absolute limit. Whatever you want, you can achieve by putting in the work. |
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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'm 21 years old, and don't have everything figured out which is beyond normal but with all that I've been able to achieve so far...I followed my heart. |
A Note From Leo
Thanks for sharing your story with us, Grant! Great origin story and great sculptures.