Mike Beaver (IG: @beavesfablab)
Welcome to this week's #weldershowcase - we had the opportunity to sit down with Mike from @beavesfablab 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: Mike Beaver Business Name: Beaves Fab Lab LLC Location: Pittsburgh, PA Socials: IG: @beavesfablab FB: @beavesfablabshop Specialties: Skull Work |
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Tell us about yourself - what inspired you to get into your trade? And how long? Growing up I moved around a lot and lived in various states. It's given me a grounded perspective on life. I use what I've learned and showcase it through my metal art. I got a job working in a mill sweeping floors and worked my way to teaching myself how to weld as I've always been fascinated with the fact you can create and build something that will outlast your own life which is impressive in a world where nothing seems to last. Since then I've created my own welding business with my best friend and started creating art as an outlet. All that has been from the past 6 years.
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What keeps you motivated throughout the day? What motivates me daily is knowing we all go through the same things in life, but just deal with it differently. I get satisfaction showing others through my art that you're not alone and there's always a choice. |
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What is your favorite shop tool and why? Easily my flex shaft because it allows me to apply the detail in my work and in that moment is when it truly comes alive. It's unreal to be able to witness that sliver of a moment. |
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What's your favorite piece that you've worked on? Titled "torn between consciousness" it's a skull piece I've created showing my emotions after losing my dad and the struggles of climbing outta the pit and the choices I had either helping me to climb further out or the ones holding me back from recovery. |
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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'd love to be a teacher in either welding, welding art or both. To be able to help others is always rewarding on it's own and they remind us where we came from and sometimes even fall in love with what we do all over again. |
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What BA product is your favorite and why?
Zirconia high density flapper disc. It's my favorite because it's part of the finishings on most of my art and always keeps performing even after countless hours of use. |
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If there was one person you could collaborate with - who would it be and why?
Collaboration with David Madero would be a dream as I appreciate his level and attention to detail and meaning in his own art.
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Do you have any advice for the next generation that you wish you had when you first started?
Follow your heart and use your brain to get there. Create what you know and enjoy the journey. |
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What are your future plans for your shop?
Keep growing in a direction that always gives back in some way. The rest will take care of itself.
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A Note From Leo
Thanks for sharing your story with us, Mike! The art piece about your Dad is awesome and hits him.. Love it!