Ptolemy Elrington (IG: @hubcapcreatures)
Welcome to this week's #weldershowcase - we had the opportunity to sit down with Ptolemy from @hubcapcreatures 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: Ptolemy Elrington Business Name: Hubcap Creatures Ltd. Location: Brighton U.K. Socials: IG: @hubcapcreatures FB: @hubcapcreatures Twitter: @hubcapcreatures Websites: www.hubcapcreatures.com Specialties: Sculpture from recycled materials |
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Tell us about yourself - what inspired you to get into your trade? And how long? I started trading professionally in 2002 but I was making recycled sculptures as a hobby for several years before then. I've tried some regular jobs and felt that I wanted to spend my life doing things I want to do rather than something I don't enjoy that much. The downside is that it's often a financial struggle and I do spend a small percentage of my time doing unwelcome stuff (paperwork etc) but all in all I made the right decision and I'm happy in my work.
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What keeps you motivated throughout the day? The pleasure I sometimes feel in the creative process is my main motivation. Sometimes it's up a hill and sometimes down but the sense of accomplishment when a piece is finished does it for me. |
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What is your favorite shop tool and why? I have currently been using a Milwaukee M18 FHZ Hackzall and it's made my work a lot easier. I'm loving it... |
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What's your favorite piece that you've worked on? I have dozens of favourite pieces. Currently I guess it's the Greyhound as it's a fairly recent piece and has a great presence. |
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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? If I wasn't doing my current work I reckon I'd be making custom motorcycles. I love bikes and the sculptural possibilities for them are right up my street. |
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If there was one person you could collaborate with - who would it be and why?
Ooh that's a tricky one. I'm not much for collaboration but if I was to do it I'd go big and work with Royal De Luxe in France. Their work is astounding. |
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Do you have any advice for the next generation that you wish you had when you first started?
Yes - stick at it. Don't be discouraged by naysayers and negative comments. If you enjoy your work and believe in yourself you can make it happen.
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What are your future plans for your shop?
I don't have many plans for the future. I'm happy with the way things are at work and don't intend to expand. |
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Thanks for sitting with us and sharing your story with the community - is there anything you'd like to add?
Remember that a lot of art isn't a commodity - you can't always put a price on it but that doesn't mean it doesn't have value. It's food for the soul.
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A Note From Leo
Thanks for sharing your story with us, Ptolemy! Doing art can be a struggle but the joy of it can definitely outweigh the financial struggles. Just gotta make sure to put food on the table and keep a roof over your head. Best of luck to you!