I have many fond memories of the workshop. I am still a working doctor. I would like to share this: as a doctor I can biopsy a woman's breast, stitch up a finger, stick a needle or catheter in any body part, dissect a cadaver...but you and the workshop experience made me unafraid to pick up a power tool, use a grinder, light an acetylene torch (much stronger than a bunsen burner) and weld a seam with a pretty bead...and to respect my creativity. Thank you.
Your choice of assistants was great. They were helpful and really a great extension of you and what you are teaching. You love what you are doing and it shows. The lunches were great. I love your idea of a residency program- that would help many people go forward in their passion. | |
I feel so much more confident in grinding, cutting, and using tools properly. I never felt intimidated or overwhelmed. My favorite part was forging, and I feel empowered with the possibility of continuing this art form! I really enjoyed the guest speakers, the showing of their work and incorporating what we were learning and the possibilities of welding in art. If you don't change anything it is still a fantastic experience! Judi Woo, California Class of 2006 |  |
| The Women's Welding Workshop was a very empowering experience. Christina takes the time to impart the basic knowledge necessary to move rapidly into the active world of forging and welding. Her one on one instruction due to the intimate class size is paramount to quick learning. My original thoughts about working with steel were that it was a slow process, however I was blown away at the "instant gratification" of working with this medium. How much fun and with what ease the art comes to you, whether you are more apt to be artistic or pragmatic, is a benefit that spurs you on to more work. I immediately created my own shop after taking this class and even though I'm not in it every day and sometimes have months when I can't get in it, her teaching material is so comprehensive that I can read it again and instantly use any equipment without concern. She makes it all so exciting and safe there are no worries that you can continue this beyond the workshop. Anyone who is interested in forging and welding should make this your primary learning tool. Catherine Long, New Mexico Class of 2000 I would like to mention that I am an experienced metal worker who learned a great deal about Blacksmithing. The different finishing techniques, as well as detailed inlays I found really exciting. I enjoyed the experience very much and highly recommend the workshop to women who want to experience the feeling of creating a piece of art out of metal. Jennifer Gammon, Colorado Class of 2004 Just keep up what you are doing. In our group discussions, we all agree that we’ve gained more than an introduction to welding. Jerry Ann Shriver, Oklahoma Class of 2007 | |