Barbie The Welder

Barbara Parsons, known professionally as Barbie The Welder, is an American metal sculptor.
Life and career
From Elmira, New York, Barbie was influenced by her father, a self-described "jack of all trades" from whom she learned about drywall fitting, roofing and electrical installations.
She started her career in 2007, saving $1,200 to attend a local BOCES welding program. She was subsequently hired at Cameron Manufacturing and Design, where she worked as a sheet metal fabricator. After working for five years to learn the art of welding and fabrication and earning her Journeyman in sheet metal and iron plate, she quit in September 2014 to work as an independent artist.
After nine months of no sales, she took up demonstrations and exhibitions as a way to provide income. Although reluctant to do this, she realised it raised interest in her work and had similar attention to people working with chainsaw sculpture. Her work became popular when she published it on Instagram. and has a YouTube channel explaining welding art. In 2017, she signed a deal with Skyhorse Publishing, who asked her to write a book on 30 different welding projects.
As inspirations in the welding industry, she cites Jessi Combs, April Wilkerson and Cynthia Gauthier.
Installations
Barbie has created sculptures for various corporations, such as Harley Davidson. She has given live exhibitions of welding at events including the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, Americade and SEMA, including demonstrations of new welding equipment and technology.
Publications
* (2017) Horseshoe Crafts; More Than 30 Easy Projects You Can Weld At Home,
* (2018) The Inspiration Blueprint; How To Design And Create Your Inspired Life

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