Marisa Mitchell (IG: killer_mars)
Welcome to this week's #weldershowcase - we had the opportunity to sit down with Marisa from @killer_mars 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: Marisa Mitchell Business Name: Mars Fabrication Location: Knoxville, TN Socials: IG: @killer_mars FB: @marzfabrication TikTok: @killer_mars Websites: www.mars- Specialties: Sculpture |
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Tell us about yourself - what inspired you to get into your trade? And how long? I have always been interested in making things since I was very little. My passion has always been to create works of art so I decided to go get a degree in sculpture which is where I learned how to weld and work in many other mediums. Since college I have started my own fabrication business where I create functional works of art for commercial and residential customers.
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What keeps you motivated throughout the day? I really enjoy challenging myself so I am always working on things that involve something new to me which keeps me striving to work harder and increase my range of skills. |
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What is your favorite shop tool and why? My favorite tool would probably have to be (my) hands. They are the one thing I can always train and rely on to help create my work no matter what the means might require to get there. |
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What's your favorite piece that you've worked on? I feel like I always fall in love with each new piece I create because I end up learning something new from each one but if I had to pick I would probably say for my fabrication work the spiral staircase I created this spring was a pretty challenging piece and it turned out great in my opinion. |
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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? My dream job would be to own a workshop style space with a gallery where I could teach classes in multiple mediums and allow a place to showcase peoples work. |
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What BA product is your favorite and why? The flap wheels are my fave! I never really thought that any flap wheel could last a substantial amount of time in a shop but Benchmark Abrasives truly kills it with theirwheels! |
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What BA product surprised you in terms of quality - what about it set it apart from the competition? Again the flap wheel! I have always bought any standard flap wheels from home depot or harbor freight and they never last more than a few grinds before they are toast and once I finally tried benchmark abrasive flap wheels I was in love! I was honestly skeptical at first because all the others I have used never really impressed me but these 100% did! |
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If there was one person you could collaborate with - who would it be and why? I would want to collaborate with Alec Steele because his work and craftsmanship are phenomenal! I think I could definitely learn a lot number 1 but I also think we could come up with a really unique and badass creation together! |
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Do you have any advice for the next generation that you wish you had when you first started? Never be discouraged and always believe in yourself! You will have to work really hard and it will not be an easy journey but the satisfaction you get once you see all the things you create is definitely worth it in the end. |
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What are your future plans for your shop? I plan to eventually open up a space where I can give lessons and workshops that will also have a gallery space to showcase my students and my own work. |
A Note From Leo
Thanks for sharing your story with us, Marisa! Really dig the mixed medium you're using with glass and steel. The way the glass forms around the steel makes it extremely unique every single time.