• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Pacific Northwest Sculptors

Sculptors share knowledge and resources

  • Home
  • About
  • Galleries
  • Articles
  • Activities
    • Calendar
    • Exhibits
      • Creative Collaborations
      • Emergence
    • Ongoing Opportunities
  • Members
    • Directory
    • Member Posts
    • Member Services
    • Join
    • Login

jacque shayne

Dave Gonzo Draws Sculptors Curious About Torch Welding Sculpture

PNWS members gathered at the studio of Dave Gonzo for a hands-on experience with torch welding sculpture. The Saturday event was the monthly meeting of PNWS members and guests hosted each month at a different member’s studio. The hosting member usually discusses his or her work and demonstrates how they work. 

After an opening social hour, guests got reacquainted at a potluck lunch outdoors. Next, Gonzo invited everyone inside his historic small barn studio. 

Since this was to be a hands-on event for sculptors interested in learning to weld, safety was the first order of business. 

Lessons in Torch Welding Sculpture Classes

Gonzo who, besides his life as a sculptor also offers welding classes, explained how oxyacetylene works, what the risks are, and how to minimize those risks. A few of his guests stepped away from the large tanks of gases as he elaborated on the worst-case scenario. 

He demonstrated how to perform basic tasks such as lighting the torch, which must be done in a specific sequence, and then how to adjust the flame with just the right mix of the two gasses. 

The introductory lecture over, Gonzo called for volunteers. He had set up three welding stations. Amber Metz, who joined PNWS in March, was the first to step forward. 

Besides sculpting in wax, clay, foam, and mixed media, she also creates two-dimensional art in pencil, ink, paint, and chalk. Gonzo patiently guided Metz through the basic technique of using the flame called the “cone” to perform the actual welding. 

Metz grasped the technique quickly, and Gonzo turned her loose to practice on her own. Chayo Wilson was next, followed by Jacque Shayne. 

To learn more about Pacific Northwest Sculptors events, contact us today!

Filed Under: Blog, Education, Members, Process Tagged With: Amber Metz, chalk, chayo wilson, clay, Dave Gonzo, foam, ink, jacque shayne, mixed media, pencil, wax, Welding, welding classes Author: Rocky Jaeger

Primary Sidebar

Learn more about being a member of Pacific Northwest Sculptors.

Support PNWS

Who’s Doing What: March 2023

By Chas Martin

Member meetup and Studio tour March 29

By Bob Deasy

PNWS material and intangible

By Andy Kennedy

Coming to the Southeast Portland’s Goat Blocks in early summer

By Bob Deasy

The Rewards of Transition

By Chas Martin

Let’s Be Friends

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram

Contact Us

Pacific Northwest Sculptors
4110 SE Hawthorne Blvd #302
Portland, OR 97214
president@pnwsculptors.org

Affiliates

Tualatin Valley Creates
International Sculpture Center

Subscribe

Receive our monthly newsletter and event announcements.
  • Home
  • About
  • Board
  • Member Directory
  • Login
  • Contact
  • Join
  • Legal

© 2020–2023 Pacific Northwest Sculptors