Eugene Brignola
Welcome to this week's #benchmarkspotlight (formerly the #weldershowcase) - we had the opportunity to sit down with Eugene Brignola 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. 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!
Enjoy and Grind On!
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Name: Eugene Brignola
Business Name: Formally InGlas Ltd, now Kamel Location: West Chester, PA Socials: IG: Eugene Brignola
Specialties: Sculptures in Clear Acrylic Sheet
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Tell us about yourself - what inspired you to get into your trade? And how long? In 1976, after moving art from the Philadelphia Art Museum to the Guggenheim in NYC, I was introduced to Rohm & Hass and a distributor at the time named ALMAC. I was asked by an associate if I would consider contacting the Walt Disney Company and find out if they would be interested in merchandise for the new park EPCOT made from space-age material.
After a trip to Florida to introduce myself, I was asked to provide 6 prototypes. One month later I became a vendor to provide WDW with new merchandise. Eventually I was the focus of the first Disney Channel documentary "ART of the FUTURE" with Lee Meriweather (Miss America) and Michael Young. Lately, I've been commissioned by the Art & Business Council to make an honorarium for the Barnes Foundation. I'm also the creator of the Avenue of the Art, VISIONARY AWARDS. I'm constantly being commissioned to create new pieces.
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What keeps you motivated throughout the day? Exciting to complete what was only an idea on paper/computer. |
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What is your favorite shop tool and why? Buffing Wheels, they enable me to take a rough cut piece of Acrylic to a final stage that will eventually look like Steuben Glass. |
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What's your favorite piece that you've worked on? Hard to say, there are so many - each when finished is my favorite. This one is one of my favorites - the Avenue of the Arts visionary Award.
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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? Nothing, I love the creative juices, new ideas, and new challenges. |
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What BA product is your favorite and why?
I use the Brown Tripoli Buffing Compound to take it down from 150-220. I then use the Blue Plastic Buffing Compound to a final.
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What BA product surprised you in terms of quality - what about it set it apart from the competition?
It just works, without question. CONSISTENTLY
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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?
If you're buffing, the right speed and size of wheel for your specific material matters. |
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If there was one person you could collaborate with - who would it be and why?
Walt Disney for his "VISION".
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Do you have any advice for the next generation that you wish you had when you first started?
Investigate all your options, do not HIT OR MISS, find what works and go for it! |
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What are your future plans for your shop?
Just go for it, find new equipment that will make things easier, a CNC machine is next, then a Laser engraver.
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A Note From Leo
Thanks for sharing your story with us, Eugene! It's really an honor to be able to showcase an artist like yourself and all that you've done. The Avenue of the Arts Visionary Award is remarkable.