 My first opportunity
to engrave dies began in 1980, when I was
hired by Wendell August Forge in Grove City,
PA, shortly after graduating from college.
Three weeks into the job, the senior die
cutter left, forcing me to learn the
profession of hand die-cutting on my own and
at an accelerated pace.
After two years with Wendell August Forge, I felt the need to expand my knowledge of the field, and went to work for Silver Spring Forge in New Kingstown, PA. In a 1984 visit to Medallic Art Company, Danbury, CT, I was offered, and accepted, a job as an engraver. At Medallic Art, I was trained in new engraving techniques and bas-relief sculpture. Four years later, I took a position as a die-engraver and sculptor at the Medalcraft Mint in Green Bay, WI. , further expanding my skills. Here, I had the opportunity to work on nationally and internationally recognized coins and medals. Now I primarily engrave dies and sculpt for the Northwest Territorial Mint in Auburn, Washington and carve Hobo Nickels when time permits. I am also the owner of SGA Sculpture Engraving. SGA Sculpture Engraving produces models, bas-relief sculpts, dies, hobo nickels, and a line of hand forged aluminum metalware. The hobo nickel carving has been the most enjoyable of the crafts I have mastered. It is a very unique art form and all pieces created are one-of-a-kind. Besides nickel carving, some of my favorite pastimes include photography, enjoying the outdoors, collecting old woodworking tools, fishing, and restoring my muscle car, a 1973 Barracuda.
|
