As we race towards the 3rd Annual Reno Mini Maker Faire, we are meeting some of the amazing makers who will be sharing their craft and knowledge. In today’s installment of Meet the Maker, we’re going to hear from metal artist Don of Cosmic Copper in Reno, NV.
The Basics:
Don Kennedy | Cosmic Copper | Reno, NV
Website: www.cosmiccopper.com
What does being a Maker mean to you?
Being a maker, to me, is keeping an ancient skill alive. My work as a Maker is defined as creating something from raw material.
What kind of making do you do?
I make copper vessels, wall hangings, stand along sculptures (mostly flowers), and fire art. Each piece is created from a flat piece of copper.
What is your favorite part of being a Maker? What is your least favorite part?
My favorite part of being a Maker is that I am able to make something few do. Machines may have taken the place of some skills I have, but I still do it the “old” way. My least favorite part of being a Maker is pricing my art.
Where do you find inspiration as a Maker?
I found inspiration as a Maker through the Welding for Art program at Truckee Meadows Community College where I met John Septien, Jack Taylor, Jon Carpenter, Dave Luke, Damien Meeks, Ted Beasler, Grant Mills, Bill Nork, and Greg Wilbur. The people I met through the Welding for Art program all had their degrees and took the class to further their leisure and art skills.
Tell us about the last thing you saw/read/learned about that made you say, “Wow!”
I recently met Bob and Sheila Dinwoodie of http://copperartist.com in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. Their art is much like mine except they do not hammer vessels. Their ability to fire paint their art made me say, “Wow!”
If you could give advice to an up-and-coming Maker, what would it be?
The whole game is about time and attendance. Something you like may not be popular with others. Don’t let anyone talk you out of an idea.
Why did you decide to participate in the Reno Mini Maker Faire?
I decided to participate when I was down on the river with the Great Basin Basketmakers two years ago. I thought it would be nice for people to see another ancient skill. It isn’t as old as basket making but it goes way back.
Where do you see the Reno Maker culture going in the near future?
Hopefully, the Maker culture in Reno will continue to be on the rise. Indie Reno, http://www.indiereno.org, is a great starting point for Makers just beginning, and for those of us who have been out there for a while.
Craftsmen
Apprentice
