Markus spends free time assisting Internationally Renowned Artist Jason Mernick
Markus M. Van Loan, co-founder and principal of Steelwind Consulting Group during the week. But on select weekends and other free times he enjoys working with friend and internationally recognized Metal Artist Jason Mernick.
"Jason's art is very free flowing and smooth. Jason describes it as similar to Improvisational Jazz, where you cannot predict the next note. Markus has been apprenticing and helping Jason for years and working with Jason with his Art provides a wonderful outlet for Markus.
"To me, coming from a scientific background where I regularly worked with flammable gasses, forced–air breathing systems, very high heat and fire, working and helping alongside Jason is a truly wonderful experience. Every chance I get to help, support and learn from the Master Artist I enjoy immensely. Jason is a Master Torch Painter, a entirely new genre he pioneered. It's incredible to watch him create these beautiful artistic pieces when the torch is white-hot and you cannot see the metal canvas because of the heat, flame and smoke."
The Studio is like Volcano!
In helping Jason, Markus gets to assist in all aspects of the creative projects. "The studio is like a volcano! We have these huge 40 square foot sheets of Stainless Steel, Copper, Aluminum, or other materials moving around. There is grinding going on; sparks are flying, noise if full blast. All manors of torches are in use. There tons of fire and heat! We cannot breath these fumes of course so we've got these heavy–duty forced air breathing systems on. It's really crazy! Yet out of this crucible, some truely beautiful and amazing Art are born."
Jason lives in the hills of Southern California with his wife and young son. "Jason finds inspiration for his artwork from nature. The Mernicks live on a beautiful ranch next to the lake. 3 acres of horse property with beautiful views of the lake. It's very peaceful and rivals those super lux high–end treatment centers in Malibu. Jason loves trees and has planted over 200 trees in and around their ranch. For Jason, trees embody life; they are beautiful and clean the earth and rejuvenate the world.
We make many pieces, many custom pieces of art that are commissioned by clients. It's really a fun escape from the logical world of IT and Technology.
We love making custom pieces for clients. We do small pieces to large monumental sized installations. If you need artwork for your office or home, call me at 1-877-TORCH-99, or email me at markus@jasonmernick.com
Learn more about Jason Mernick
Jason has a really great art website presence that has videos and hundreds of pictures, giving the web visitor a great sense of Jason's Artwork. Please browse over to JasonMernick.com
