Don Schoenfeld

Don is a Saskatchewan resident who has recently begun working with reclaimed metals serendipitously transforming them into art. The skills he has acquired from forty plus years in the welding trade now innovatively serve him in constructing repurposed artwork.

Part of the creative inspiration for Don is seeing the genesis of a project by looking at the shapes of recycled metals. The fun grows in watching the work take shape and evolve into the original vision.

How would you describe what craft is?

I find that most people are creative in some manner. Being creative at problem solving, designing or building challenges us to exercise our minds. Craft is one such avenue that allows people the opportunity to bring a sense of satisfaction to the creators and pleasure to the viewers.

Where did you learn your craft?

I have been fortunate in having the opportunity to explore many avenues of the welding trade for my entire work career. Most of my employment required me to come up with creative solutions to resolve breakdowns or streamline workflow. It was a short step from welding as a living to welding for pleasure.

What is your inspiration?

I derive a sense of satisfaction from the challenge of creating craft from discarded metals. Looking at an object and seeing the potential of a subject often becomes the genesis of a project. Sometimes I have a subject in mind and then hunt for potential items that may be assembled to bring my idea to life. I find either method inspirational.