The Eagle Has Landed
LATTC welding student Gerardo Hacer has never been to art school but he is proof that some people have natural talent. His folded and welded steel origami bird was recently installed in the south rose garden in Stevens Square.

Starting with folded paper models and a ½ scale metal study, Hacer constructed the final artwork during a 16 week semester in the Art Welding class taught by Renee Newell, instructor of art welding. Hacer was trying to find himself when he enrolled in a beginning welding class taught by Lisa Legohn. It was through her that he discovered art welding. As a 10-year old, Hacer learned to make origami cranes. He continued with origami, making numerous animals and other traditional folded objects. “Those were my toys as a kid,” he said.

“I have a vision of what I want my life to be and I'm making it,” [with Trade Tech's help] Hacer said. “I want to do art welding.”

The eagle, which is a variety of folded and welded metal, was made possible by a generous donation of steel from the Trade Tech Diesel and Related Technology department. After the artist applied a patina to the surface, the Trade Tech Auto Body class painted the piece with an automotive clear coat.

Hacer's eagle is titled, “Stay off your Head,” and is a tribute to those who rise above. Stay off your Head is dedicated to L. C. Storms “Doc” (1920-2007) a friend and mentor, testimony that life should be lived to the fullest. “Challenges are accomplished with tenacity and bold ideas create change,” Hacer said in a printed statement. “I would like to give a special thanks to the instructors of [the] LATTC Welding program who shared their wealth of knowledge and skills; with their support and guidance this project was made possible.” 070208