Bill Councell’s father was Gladwin County’s last blacksmith and instrumental in introducing Bill to welding and fabricating. At age eight, Bill started helping in his father’s farm repair and blacksmith shop. Now Bill enjoys sharing welding skills with youth, friends, relatives, and fellow artists.
In the summer of 2010 Bill joined a group of Traverse City area artists as they created “Mammoth Reborn” for Grand Rapid’s ArtPrize. The experience set Bill on a new course when he retired.
Whenever possible, Bill repurposes and salvages materials. His creations are hand formed utilizing Mig welders, gas torches, plasma cutter, anvil, hammers, and grinders plus lots of muscle and creativity.
