Today we’d like to introduce you to Scott Wengert.
Scott, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I’ve always had an immense satisfaction building things with my hands. There was a fascination with manipulating raw materials to my whim, changing it’s shape to fit an abstract idea in my head that always stuck with me. It wasn’t until I started volunteering with my church’s humanitarian outreach program as a teenager, until I knew I was hooked on power tools. Once a year we would travel to economically depressed neighborhoods and build basic infrastructure for those in need. From re-roofing, wheelchair ramps, and even whole houses in cases, I developed a passion with working hands on projects. I became invigorated using power tools and learned the basic principles of construction and safety. Internalizing what I learned on the mission trips, I started building my own furniture and sculptures in high school.
I went to the University of Texas at Austin and earned my Bachelors degree in Fine Arts focusing in Studio Art. Upon graduating unable to find a job in my field I started working in the trades. I learned a lot installing custom window coverings. From working from the ground up with architects and site management with foreman, I took in all the information I could about residential and industrial construction. Although I enjoyed my work, it was not fulfilling my interpersonal goals. I lived frugally and saved as much money I could for years so I could travel throughout the Europe continent for three months. It was a life altering, immensely fulfilling, and I loved every minute of it. After spending years studying and analyzing artwork from textbooks and the classroom, it was transcendental to experience the master works of the Renaissance in person. Elven countries later and my travel visa expired, I headed back to Texas.
Upon my return I landed at my parents home. While I was gone my mother took a creative welding class and purchased the equipment and began her hobby of metal arts. I was experienced in the medium and began to make my own pieces. My father was experiencing health issues and I realized my family needed my to stay. I stayed longer due his rapid decline and death.
A year later I felt comfortable to again travel and set out on my own when my mother was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma, an incurable cancer. She required a stem cell transplant and required a lot of help and I became her primary caregiver. During this time I was experimenting with different types of metal art from animal assemblage sculptures, to home decor and furniture. With my mother’s weekend immune system, she was unable to eat prepared foods and restaurant takeout, so I had to cook each meal. The more I cooked the more I frustrated I got using the standard dull kitchen knives we had. As my mother grew stronger and more able, I started forging my own kitchen knives and cutlery. I discovered my forte and the amazing satisfaction creating functional art.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
My road has been anything but smooth. I learned a lot and matured as lot as a result of my life path. The most grueling challenge was breaking both my hands in a bicycling accident while trying to finish my degree in fine art. I was forced to take a step back and avoid strenuous activity or risk healing improperly and chronic pain. This was extremely hard for me as I was literally handcuffed into sedation with my casts and was coerced into the backseat of my own life. During this time I learned the value of patience and it’s power. I’ve grown as an artist and person and will continue to as my aspirations are to make a sustainable living creating and selling my custom knives and creations.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
I make hand forged custom knives. My speciality is high carbon chef’s knives with unique and ergonomic handles. My attention to detail sets me apart from others as I meticulously hand craft each knife from raw stock. I obsess over the blade during each of the knife making process, trying to achieve perfection every step. Although perfection is ultimately unobtainable, I learn new techniques to make each knife better than my last. I am constantly reading, searching for new procedures in knife making and how to be more efficient with each blade. No matter your skill or previous experience, there is always something new to lear, and that drives me to improve my craft.
What were you like growing up?
I’ve always been very curious growing up. I was taking toys apart to see how they worked and often struggled to put them back together as they once were. I was always drawn to the weird and peculiar and spent a lot of time watching independent movies. I valued my independence and was proud to rock my mohawk at school and eventually in the punk clubs of Deep Ellum when I was of age.
Contact Info:
- Website: scottwengert.com
- Email: weng0ert.art@gmail.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/scottwengert
- Facebook: facebook.com/artofwengert
- Other: etsy.com/shop/swknives
Image Credit:
Scott Wengert
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