Greg Mueller (IG: @muellerstudio)
Welcome to this week's #weldershowcase - we had the opportunity to sit down with Greg from @muellerstudio 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!
This week's #WELDERSHOWCASE is...
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Name: Greg Mueller
Business Name: Mueller Studio, Location: Lutsen Minnesota, on Lake Superior’s North Shore Socials: IG: @muellerstudio
Website/YouTube: www.greglmueller.com
Specialties: Sculpture and Public Art
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Tell us about yourself - what inspired you to get into your trade (backstory)? And how long? I discovered metal foundry and fabrication in Art School and was immediately hooked, I was going to be a sculptor |
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What keeps you motivated throughout the day? I get my work ethic from my father, and I channel that energy into my passion for the materials and the process of sculpture; art feeds the human spirit |
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What is your favorite shop tool and why? The MILLER Welder is my go-to daily tool, and the Milwaukee angle grinder is not far behind |
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What's your favorite piece that you've worked on? The next one…I always have a vision brewing…but "I Choose Joy", a sculptural tree swing dedicated to our sister Stephanie who we lost to cancer, has personal meaning |
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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 recently left full-time teaching sculpture, to set up my own studio practice, it's a daily joy and daily pain taking this road less traveled Mueller Studio www.greglmueller.com |
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What BA product is your favorite and why? BA products are always an arm's length away…the stack of 5” cut off wheels and Zirconia Flap discs are used every day |
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What BA product surprised you in terms of quality - what about it set it apart from the competition? The cut off wheels are fast, accurate, and long lasting, unlike competitors |
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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 (insert product)?
The cut off wheels slice and dice a wide range of metals and thicknesses as shown in this work “Prairie Ship” recently installed in Liberty Missouri
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If there was one person you could collaborate with - who would it be and why? My father…. he passed away from Parkinson’s Disease before I developed into a sculptor, he knew how to build things from the perspective of a craftsman; as an artist I respect that, I wish he could see what I took from his “tool-box” and how I applied it to my creative practice |
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Do you have any advice for the next generation that you wish you had when you first started? Find someone who is doing what you would love to do someday,….follow them, volunteer for them, interview them, learn from them |
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What are your future plans for your shop? The Studio building I purchased on Lake Superior’s North Shore is set up for metal fabrication, but not living. I am drilling a well, installing septic and dream of a day this spring when I have indoor plumbing, I have a new respect for running water, and 21st Century living. |
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Thanks for sitting with us and sharing your story with the community - is there anything you'd like to add?
THANKS BA for your support; I love reading about the wide range of inventive skills and personalities who employ
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A Note From Leo
Thanks for sharing your story with us, Greg! Never would've known that all those public installations were yours and they're pretty damn creative. We look forward to seeing your future installations.