I am happy to share what I can, though I don't know how much I have to give at this time. I am relatively new to the craft. I have over ten years in a male-dominated career as a theatrical technician and sound engineer. After suffering a personal crisis in 2018, I quit my job and have essentially been unemployed since. Following the pandemic, I am unsure what the theater industry will look like, how much of it will still exist, or if I will want to go back. In the meantime, I have been learning various blacksmithing skills for about two years now and am in the process of trying to put together a small shop at home where I can hopefully start practicing more full time. I am looking for any resources I can find to keep learning and growing in the craft and if possible turn it into more than just a hobby. I love making things, I love working with metal, I really enjoy the traditional aspects of the craft, and I plan on taking it however far I can. If SIBs can help me do that then I am all for it, and I am more than willing to give back the same help to anyone else who might want it. It is very difficult to find groups of like-minded people who are not simply concerned with the one-upmanship and competitive nature that can be found in the various crafts, but that actually want to help hold each other up. It can be incredibly easy to feel like an imposter in this craft and it is gratifying to find a caring community in SIBs.
Heather is located near Atlanta GA and would love to connect with anyone in the area or even in neighboring states. Thanks again Heather!
@touringgrumpycat on instagram