MICHAEL HANNON
I started my metalworking career in 1969-70 when I was in the army. I had the good fortune of being the jewelry and lapidary instructor at the Fort Ord Craft Shop. This unique experience enabled me to become skilled with casting metal and the techniques of shaping it.
After I was discharged, I attended Long Beach State University, where I majored in jewelry and metalsmithing. I also picked up experience in blacksmithing and worked in a bronze foundry. I was accepted into the graduate program at the University of Washington, but changed my mind and decided to start my own jewelry business instead. That lasted about 2 years. I then went on to sheet metal and welding school and was certified to weld on skyscrapers and battleships.
After working in the LA shipyards for 1-1/2years, I was hired by Calty Design Research, Toyota's design center in Newport Beach, CA, as a model maker. My responsibilities included building full-size car and truck models for future production to designer specifications using a multitude of materials, including wood, metal and fiberglass.
In my spare time I designed and fabricated table and task lamps. In 1989 I won an international lamp design contest sponsored by Artemide S.P.A. (the largest lighting manufacturer in Europe.)
After 25 years at Calty Design, I retired and moved to the Central Coast with my wife where we built our home and studios. I am currently a full time artist making sculpture.