Today we’d like to introduce you to Bruce Heard.
Bruce, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I’m no wordsmith, but I will try my best to give you my story.
My work history is vast and worked in many trades over the years. My first job was as a nurse aid at the age of 15. In the late 70s, I wanted to be around music as much as possible. I worked part-time with bands and their live shows. I believe I watched more shows than I worked. In the early 80s,’ I started my mobile DJ business and hung up the turntables in the late 90s.
I owned and operated a men’s formalwear shop for a short time. I went to broadcasting school in 1993, and after graduating, I paid for airtime to produce my once-a-week Road House show. Broadcasting was short-lived, and I made my return back to live music. I loved the production side of touring and was involved in lighting and video.
In 2014 I parted ways with the touring world. I had traveled to many places, and now I just wanted to be at home. I worked in the music industry for most of my adult life. I loved that world of work. It was a place to use my creativity and experience places and things most people never will.
Now it was time for something new in my life. I had no idea what I was going to do with myself. I was looking for work in all the wrong places. It was right in front of me, and I didn’t even know it. I was always happiest when I was able to create in my workplace.
Over the years, I have built motorcycles, trucks, lighting, and much more. People always showed interest in what I created. One day, I was bored at home, and I decided to build a lamp for myself. Long story short, that lamp is what got me started. I still have that lamp and will keep it to remind me of my next life chapter.
I spent a few months learning about places to sell my art. I settled on the Flea Market in Nashville. I built some items and collected a few things I found of interest. In July 2015, I set up my first booth at the NFM. It was a great success! So I continued. What started as more of a hobby has now become my full-time work.
The Munkey Wrench started by accident, and now I’m happy again. I started at the Nashville Flea Market and now have my brick-and-mortar location. My art is made from found objects and junk. No material is off-limits. I use what I have and rarely buy anything new to complete my work. Places I find materials for my work are everywhere.
My artwork is what I call rustic sophistication. MODERN, INDUSTRIAL, RUSTIC. One-of-a-kind artistic creations.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
The road has not been smooth. It has had its ups and downs but I do see light at the end of the tunnel. I have been banged up, but that is part of the process. If you truly believe in what you are doing the good will come.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
My style of work I call rustic sophistication. I build and paint art from found objects. I use any materials available to me to complete my visions. My work consists of folk art, abstract, modern, industrial, rustic, etc.
I am known for my lamps and doll art.
What sets me apart? I rarely duplicate any of my work. Almost everything I build is one of a kind. My store is a unique place to shop. I try and supply customers with an experience. Lighting, music, cleanliness, smell, and visuals are what you will experience when visiting my gallery and shop.
I love people and sharing life stories. Everyone is greeted once they walk through my door.
I’m proud of the fact people enjoy my work.
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
My customers deserve the most credit. Without your customers, you don’t exist. Customers are my teammates, cheerleaders, and supp0rters.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: themunkeywrench.com
- Instagram: @themunkeywrench
- Facebook: @themunkeywrench
Image Credits
The Munkey Wrench
