When artist Jen Cleere walked into North Georgia Technical Institute to enroll in a welding class to use in connection with her artwork, she did not expect her life to change. But that is exactly what happened. "As soon as I saw this place, I knew there was a world of stuff to gain here," Cleere said. "I have learned every day I've been here."
Cleere, with a Bachelor's degree in printmaking and a Master's degree in sculpture, has been using welding for six or seven years in her artwork, creating custom beds, garden trellises and sculptures. Since only about i percent of visual artists actually earn a living from their art, Cleere was forced to take a succession of low-paying jobs to support her artistic freedom. That is over now. She just wanted a course to enhance her welding skills and ended up with a new profession.
In December 1997, Cleere graduated from North Georgia Technical Institute with a diploma in Welding and Joining Technology and a skill that will provide her with a good income as well as help with her artwork. She is currently enrolled in the pipe welding program at the Fluor Daniel Training Center, Greenville, S.C. After she completes the go-day training program, she is guaranteed a job. And with that comes the financial freedom to pursue her art - in the evening hours.
Her college training and initial welding skills allowed her to skip ahead in the program and spend most of her time doing what she loves. "I've been in the shop the whole time," says Cleere. "College is great when you don't know what you want to do. If you know what you want to do, you can get there faster in a technical education program."
Cleere knows what she wants to do. Welder by day, artist by night.
- Suzanne Robinson