Lingo displays some of the pieces he has created.

Is it really considered just a hobby if you’ve been doing something you love for over 50 years? That’s what I wondered when I spoke with Ron Lingo about the unique welded sculptures he makes daily.

Lingo has been a trained welder for decades.”I went into the Navy in 1966 and attended welding school there. I have been welding almost every day since then, “he said. This includes years where he worked at Fullenkamp Machine as a welder.

Lingo began with large yard art pieces but has moved to more miniature, manageable sculptures over the years because they are easier to handle and keep around his workshop. Lingo has showcased his art at different events over the years, but these days, if you want to talk to him about his metal treasures, the best place to catch him is at the Portland McDonald’s. You can find him there nearly every morning, savoring his coffee and discussing sculptures with people who want to buy them.

I asked Lingo where he gets his ideas, and he said.”I just try to make something that people say they want. I have always worked for people who could fix anything. In the Navy on the ship, I was on the weld and repair division. If something was broken, you fixed it. Out to sea there are no repair shops, so it’s just in my head, I guess.“

Lingo even noted that sometimes, when he is working on a sculpture, he might look down and see a random piece of metal that he can use to create a leg, because inspiration can strike while he is making his extraordinary metal works.

Lingo has been collecting parts and pieces for welding projects for over five decades. He will buy silverware and other metal items at garage sales, and he’s a frequent visitor to McAfee’s Recycling when he needs to reduce his stockpile of metal. When asked if he truly makes a new piece each day, he said.”I usually come home every day and go out to the shed. I burn wood, and I light the fire. It’s warm and I just make stuff.“

If you would like to discuss a custom sculpture with Lingo, you can contact him at 260-7267467 or, even better, join him at McDonald’s one morning. He would love to chat with you about what he can create for you!

Carly Nichols is the marketing and communication coordinator for Jay County REMC.