Hi, my name is JD Bumgarner and I have Cerebral Palsy and a learning disability, but that has not stopped me from finding my passion, which is being creative.

I started to weld as part of the 4H Bucket of Junk Challenge. The first piece I created was one that I called “Herky or Cy?”. My parents were in awe of what I created out of a bucket of junk. The next year, I created a Beagle and a bunny. And most recently, I created a tractor from the bucket of junk. My parents already knew that I was very creative and good at designing things on paper, but now I had a new way to be creative through welding. I have learned that my brain works differently, which isn’t a bad thing because it helps me see and create art out of buckets of junk. That is why my mission statement is "Inspiring others, while giving junk metal new life." I want others to know that anything is possible.

My parents bought me a welder and welding equipment for Christmas, which I started to use right away. Once Covid 19 hit and schools were cancelled, I started welding even more. I took one of my first pieces, the “Iron Indian”, to the high school art show at Arts on Grand and it won the “Curator’s Choice Award” and was the first piece of art that I sold. I am blessed to have supportive parents who encourage and help me use my creativity.

My entire family enjoys helping me with my welding. My Mom created a Facebook page called JD’s Creations and posts and sells my pieces there. Both my Mom and Dad help me polish and clean the pieces of junk before and after I weld them. I’ve even taught my Mom, younger sister and younger brother to weld. I really enjoy working with my family on my different projects - it has brought us all closer together. I am very blessed and thankful that I get to do what I love.

My favorite Bible Verse is Jeremiah 29:11 - "For I know the plans I have for you, 'declares the Lord,' plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."