Byron Williams was not always an artist.
However, he now owns a small metalworking business, Decorative Metalworks, with his wife, Pené Williams, a science teacher at Auburn High School.
“I lucked into it, I guess,” Byron said.
Byron learned metalworking skills during his first stint working at Briggs and Stratton.
From there, he built his own machine and “fell in love with the process.”
He is now preparing to take another position at the company after resigning from a teaching post at Auburn High School, effective July 1.
Each design starts out as a drawing, either by hand or on a computer.
From there, Byron programs the machine to produce the piece.
After it comes out, he cleans the edges with a grinder and adds in finishing details.
He then adds plating, typically copper, and finishes it off with a clear automotive paint to slow down rust.
He said it is a long process, even for smaller items.
Byron said his favorite part of the business is to see people’s reactions to his work.
“[People] appreciate seeing something that was ugly steel turn into a thing of beauty,” Byron said.
Pené, who manages the business side of Decorative Metalworks, said people’s reactions to her husband’s work when he turns an abstract design into art is her favorite part of the job.
“It’s neat to see him bring joy to other people,” Pené said.
Pené said she did not have a business background before starting the business.
She has done a lot of learning on the fly, but her job is mostly about interacting with people, like in a classroom, she said.
She also is the delivery service for the business, handing the finished product off to the customer.
Byron said his art is a way for him to express himself, because he enjoys working with his hands.
He said his favorite piece recently was an oak tree displayed at the Pop-up SummerNight Art Walk on June 12.
He said he was careful not to mimic the Toomer’s Oaks too closely, but said the statue is still a reminder of the importance of tradition to him.
Byron said he works on his projects two days per week, because both he and Pené work full time.
He goes into the shop when it is convenient for his family’s schedule, however, he said the balance is still a struggle.He said he is more busy at certain times of the year.
“At Christmas, it takes over my life,” Byron said.
Pené said balancing raising three kids, the business and her job require a lot of organization, but she “really enjoys” watching people interact with her husband’s creations.
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