By Marty Baker
 

Art and welding form a natural combination for those with the talent to create metal sculptures.   With a desire to learn more about the process of gas tungsten arc welding, Justin Peyser of New York City came to Hobart Institute to work with Instructor Kevin Scott. 

Justin’s education in art and architecture from Harvard University provides the background for his natural creativity where he studied under the modernist sculptor Dimitri Hadzi.  His work is also influenced by those including Italian Sculptor Pietro Consagra, Spanish Abstract Sculptor Eduardo Chillida, American Abstract Artist Alexander Calder, American Abstract Expressionist David Smith, American Artist and Sculptor Lee Bontecou, and others.

“Art is unlike almost any other profession,” says Justin.  “In any other profession, you can earn a day’s wages for a day of work.  Art is not like that.”

So Justin spent most of the past 20 years in real estate, specializing in community development and preservation, pursuing his love of art as his time permitted. 

“It has been a choice of vocation vs. avocation,” says Justin, with a smile.  “But I am now at a point where I can spend more time focused on sculpture.”

Justin has previously worked with oxyacetylene welding to join the pieces of mild steel that form his works of art.  Learning another welding process provides him with a wider range of techniques from which to choose as he molds metals and forms appealing shapes. 

“Living in New York City where space it tight, I have focused on smaller pieces that I can pick up and carry or place on a table,” says Justin.  “TIG should help me begin to scale up the work.  I enjoy creating abstract works that combine linear and organic forms, hopefully without too much residue from architectural education.”

While a full nine-month program is available, Hobart Institute is unique in that students may also register for just a week or two and focus on a specific process.  This option perfectly meets the needs of artists like Justin. 

"Eye For You" Gas and MIG welded
mild steel and brazed copper