Michael Vivona (IG: vivona_art)
Welcome to this week's #weldershowcase - we had the opportunity to sit down with Michael from @vivona_art 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: Michael Vivona
Business Name: Vivona Art Country/State Location: Long Island, NY Socials: IG: @vivona_art
Website(s): www.vivonaart.com
Specialties: Bringing junk back to life
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Tell us about yourself - what inspired you to get into your trade (backstory)? And how long? I don’t know how it started but it never stopped, Bringing junk back to life one piece at a time. To me there is no bigger thrill than finishing a sculpture and introducing it to the world. What started as something as simple as welding forks and spoons together has steamrolled into 8’ long 1000lb horse sculptures, My style is constantly evolving and I can’t wait to see what I’m making in the years to come. |
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What keeps you motivated throughout the day? What keeps me motivated is trying to make something that’s never been done before |
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What is your favorite shop tool and why? my favorite tool is a the Hobart multi handler 200, because it does everything mig, tig, and stick |
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What's your favorite piece that you've worked on? My favorite piece is my most recent horse, during the beginning of quarantine I decided to change my style to something more realistic. |
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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 continue to be a plumber daily and do metal work in my spare time. So pretty much what I’m doing now
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What BA product is your favorite and why? I buy grinder wheels and 60grit sanders which are my go too tool when I’m building. |
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What BA product surprised you in terms of quality - what about it set it apart from the competition? I’ve found they last a lot longer than other brands and unlike brands like Diablo who I’m convinced are trying to kill me with their flimsy discs your products hold up and last longer. |
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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)?
One tip would be to hold onto worn down cutting wheels for hard to reach spots where a new disc won’t fit.
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Do you have any advice for the next generation that you wish you had when you first started? My advice to artists coming up is to be better than the other guy, there is a lot of competition so if you don’t want to starve you’ve got to be better. |
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What are your future plans for your shop? My future plans are to continue to one up myself. |
A Note From Leo
Thanks for sharing your story with us, Michael! I dig that you raised the bar on yourself during the pandemic and succeeded.. the horse looks great! Keep up the great work!