We were lucky to catch up with Brook Reynolds recently and have shared our conversation below.

Brook , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?

Learning how to weld was the most challenging and best decision I have ever made for myself. I believe that is what draws me to it. Even after 4 years in business and 6 years as a welder, each project pushes and teaches me. I know that I still have much more to learn and can’t even imagine how much I will learn and improve in 10 years, 20 years, etc. I would encourage anyone of any age to try welding if they are at all interested, you never know where it’ll take you.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

My name is Brook Reynolds, I was born in the late 1900’s and was raised in the small town of Carbondale Colorado, and I currently reside in Durango Colorado. I am sure it comes as no surprise I love all things a typical Coloradan does…ya know…. snowboarding, camping, rafting, swimming, and the list goes on and on. I’ve always believed in working hard and playing harder. I also believe that it takes as much time and energy to do something poorly as it does to do it right, so might as well give it your all. Although I have not always practiced what I preach. I am pretty sure I put no effort into my college experience. I moved to Durango to study art at Fort Lewis College but only went because college came after high school. I very quickly jumped off that bandwagon!!! After some time doing low level jobs such as life guarding, lift operator, raft guide, pottery painter, etc. I was encouraged to go to trade school for Welding. While it did not come easily to me at first it was the best thing I’ve ever done for future and personal happiness. I knew I would want to combine my new trade with my passion for art and started working towards being my own boss. I am pleased to say that Artistic Fabrications has been operating since 2019. One of the things I love most about my business and craft is that every project is different. A problem solver by nature this is what I thrive on! I enjoy working with my clients to make something that usually surpasses either of our expectations, creating something one of a kind for each and every client.
I also have an immense amount of fun creating things just out of my own fruition and hoping they will speak to others who want a unique piece of metal art for their home. I feel incredibly lucky to have a space and inspiration to do both.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.

I think non-creatives/ non-business owners don’t quite understand is how much of the business has nothing to do with art. As an artist I’d love to only be in my shop creating, however every aspect of my business is run 100% by me. I am web design, accountant, sales, promotor, problem solver, etc. So much of my time I can not charge for or goes completely unseen. Along with that, as artist we don’t show or promote our failures of set backs, and anyone of them could be a huge determent to the business. Most artist and business owners want nothing to do with a 9-5 and in return sometimes end up working a 5-9. They do not see the shamelessness of getting odd jobs just to keep the bills paid or ward of burn out. Often times those jobs see your business as the side hustle when in fact that job is only necessary to keep our dreams alive. It’s incredibly taxing to be creative and productive as a full time job, with only yourself to hold you accountable. With that being said, I wouldn’t want to live my life any other way.

Are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

One resource that I did in fact know about but wish I had taken more advantage of is working under a master welder. I feel that I had a strong creative background but could have used more guidance from an experienced welder. Small tips and tricks go a long way and could probably saved me a lot of heartache and expensive mistakes.

Contact Info:

• Website: http://artfabweld.com
• Instagram: artisticfabrications_weld
• Facebook: Artfabweld