"Hi," that's me "Funkobi"

I did my apprenticeship as a car mechanic (4 years). During these 4 years, we had a 1 week course on how to weld (Oxyacetylene & MIG/MAG). That's where I made first contact and thought: it's actually pretty cool to connect pieces into one bigger thing !

After my apprenticeship, I discovered quickly, that the thing I really enjoyed to do is rebuilding engines and gearboxes.But, there are very few jobs available or they have a HUGE waiting list.

I worked for about 2 years as a car mechanic and then slowly switched over to building up machines.

I felt the urge to somehow build a statue of the picture that i had in my mind, for quite a while.

​

I always liked the idea of using scrap metal and reusing/reshaping it into something different/"new".

I use the "old" Oxyacetylene welding method. Because, I need the heat of the burner (flame) to heat up, so the metal can be bent/shaped.

So I made it work, that my first apartment was also my "Studio". Where I lived and how, was illegal (in Switzerland). But i didn't care, as long as i could do what i love and listen to music late at night.

That's when i made my very first STATUE: Our Last Breath

Honestly, I loved looking at my first handmade statue and was proud of how good it turned out (and a bit surprised as well :).​​

​Then, I started with the "Trees". Not just because they are beautiful and amazing (the real ones), also because i was surprised of how they turned out on my statue. I made about 25 trees at the time. The trees that are available and the last sold, are in the "TREES" Gallery (yes, they are about 25 years old).

Then, I got kicked out of my first "Studio". Not because someone found out, but the owner of the building needed more storage space.

​

And, since then I always tried to find some space where i could weld. It is not possible everywhere or it got forbidden. But I, and now we (with my wife and later kids), somehow almost always made it possible, so I could weld at home.

​

It's not always easy to find the time, energy, and motivation, with a full-time job and a family. But, my wife and kids are amazing, so that's motivation as well !

Or a costumer request, that's what makes me happy and fulfilled as well.

​​

But why "Funkobi," and what does that have to do with the story so far ?

Somewhere in between '96-2004, 2 friends and I were DJ'ing at bars and smaller clubs, the "Jungle Fruits DJ's".

I had crates of Funk & Hip-Hop and so did they (Afro-Latin-Funk). And at the time, i looooved Funk. I still do, just not to the extent as back then. And, pretty much all dope Hip-Hop beats and

Break Beats (i'm break dancing as well), are rooted in Funk (but, taste varies of course ;).

So there's where the "Funk" is coming from, and "obi" i get called by some of my closer friends.

​

So, that's a little glimpse of my life and how i got into what i love doing. I hope it was not too boring to read.

​

I wish i could weld for a living !

​

Thank you for the little time you spent, to get to know me a bit better.​

​