SooZeQues Arroyo Junkers and Other Resurrections: Helmut Hillenkamp

My art is an infectious need for me, sometimes a burden but most often a blessing.

This blog is about me and my obsessions, my loves, my need to create and my need of JUNK. I'm addicted to thrift stores, estate sales, flea markets and all roads leading off the beaten track to discover that perfect piece of junk. I recycle old license plates, old shovels, wheelbarrows, saw blades and anything else that's funky using my hand held plasma cutter. I love working with steel, sculpting, photography, watercolor painting, stained glass, and turning everyday utilitarian objects into art. Junked cars ~ I will always veer off the path to search out the beautiful wrecked Arroyo JunKers throughout Arizona, New Mexico and anywhere else the road may lead. When I'm not searching for those JunKers

I ~ RESURRECT ~ STEEL

www.SooZeQueDesigns.Shutterfly.com

Tuesday, March 23, 2010

I GOT THE INVITATION!!!!!!

I'M NOT WORTHY!!! I've been invited "by INVITATION ONLY" to participate in "The Inspired Hand" blacksmithing workshop in May in Santa Fe, held by the extremely accomplished blacksmith master Helmut Hillenkamp. I'm so thrilled to have this opportunity I feel like a freshman who just got asked to the prom by a Senior! My stomach is starting to get all wavy something on the scale of a Sunami! I hope I don't make a fool of myself. I don't know how I made it on the list, but maybe it's that KARMA thing working for me again. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you, Helmut.

PS ~ Thanks go out to MOM for always looking out for me and sending me articles of interest. xxxooo

Friday, March 19, 2010

I'm Your Girl ~ Helmut!

Santa Fe blacksmith Helmut Hillenkamp works on bird for an iron tree at the Fayette Street Academy on Santa Fe s west side. Though the recession has made it a slow season for Hillenkamp, the artist is looking for an intern to collaborate with on community projects.

My Mom forwarded me an article that Mr. Hillenkamp was looking for an intern to help with projects for 2 months in his shop in Santa Fe. Of course the excitement of learning from a master how to create on the blacksmith side of the world was intriquing. So, of course I sent off my note of how "I'm his girl" for this once in a lifetime experience. Now I know I'm not the 20 years old with a lifetime ahead of them that could slam that 10lb hammer all day, (they also don't have 3 frayed ligaments in their rotater cuff that I do), but I can definately keep up, especially when you have an expert showing you all the tricks of the trade.. and remember I've raised 6 kids and can run circles around some young kid.

I'm waiting for the confirmation that I'm on my way to Santa Fe for a thrill of a lifetime.. CALL ME HELMUT ~ I'm waiting. :) Wish Me Luck