Who am I and why am I here?

[artworksmetal]

My name is Art Thompson, I live in Timberville VA.
I worked as a desk jockey for the world's largest printer for 31 years. About 18 years ago I bought a cheap mig welder and started putting together a shop. I fixed the neighbors tractors, made some trellises and other yard-art. Built a forge and tried that primitive thing for a while, then decided that I preferred power tools.
Lost all that in a divorce.
Now I'm starting over. I decided to learn TIG, and to only work with Stainless. I've accumulated a few tools and enough skill to pull off some projects. Still waiting for that surge in skill level and creativity to hit, and be able to call myself a sculptor.
In February 2012, my company asked for volunteers for permanent layoff. I dislocated my shoulder raising my hand for that! I'm nearing the end of a year off with severance pay, so basically I've been practicing retirement.

I consider a key step to my next level is learning to create more complex shapes in Stainless sheet.
Tools:
Miller 150STL Tig
Jet 24" Slip Roll
Black Bull 24" Brake
Eagle CP30 Bender (A real monster).
HF English Wheel (I know, I know).
Plus the usual assembly of grinders, etc.

I also love gardening. I do LED lighting projects (Stainless LED lamp is on the to do list). My other favorite material is stone. I've made a few ton worth of patio, and a couple of steel tables with stone tops.