By Tom James
‘We All Have Hidden Potential’
Mireyli Hernandez, Ameris Bank
Merriam-Webster describes art as “a personal, unanalyzable creative power” and “the faculty of executing well what one has devised.”
Art comes in an infinite number of forms, as Mireyli Hernandez proves.
“My artistic inspiration,” she says. “comes to life through welded metal art.”
A vice president and business banker with Ameris Bank, Mireyli describes using Fluxcore welding—a welding process using a continuously fed tubular electrode popular for its simplicity—to transform scrap metal into unique sculptures, most often working with stainless steel.
“I love incorporating materials like bearings, sprockets, bicycle chains, and everyday utensils—forks, spoons, and butter knives. Most of these pieces come from friends and others who pass along their leftover metal because they know I enjoy creating with it.”
So how exactly did the creative bug steer Mireyli in the direction of such a unique passion?
“I had been searching for a hobby that would allow me to be creative, find joy, and freely express my emotions. One day, while scrolling through social media, I came across events in other states where artistic welders were competing and crafting incredible pieces from scrap metal. I was instantly captivated, especially when I realized how few women were represented in this field. I thought, ‘I can do that!’ But then came the question: Where do I learn?”
Mireyli discovered Voyam Fine Arts in Ocala, owned by talented artist Carmen Rojas. On top of being an artist, Rojas is a certified welder.
“I signed up for one of her full-day workshops, and by the following week I had purchased all my welding gear and set up a small shop at home,” describes Mireyli. “The more I practiced, the more fascinated I became—and the more inspired I felt to create.”
Her first piece was made purely for her own enjoyment, but after sharing it on Facebook, people began reaching out, asking to buy her work.
“Now I’m not only creating for personal satisfaction; I’m making pieces that others want to display in their homes and offices.”
Inevitably, Mireyli has some entertaining stories to tell about reactions to her hobby.
“One of my neighbors builds fences, and I’d see him driving up and down my road almost every weekend. He’d slow down, glance over, then keep going—until one day he finally stopped. I happened to be in the middle of welding, fully suited up from head to toe (basically looking like a yellow penguin), helmet, gloves, and all.
“When he walked up,” she continues, “I lifted my hood and his reaction had me laughing for hours. His eyes flew wide open as he blurted out, ‘Oh my God, it’s a woman!’ I just smiled and said, ‘Yes, women can weld.’ He told me he’d been so curious because he saw me out there every weekend but never knew who was behind the mask.”
Mireyli decided to take the humor and run with it.
“After that, I decided to add some personality to my welding helmet with a few fun stickers. My favorite one reads: ‘I’m the welder, not the welder’s wife.’”
Working as a business banker, Mireyli helps business owners reach their goals, specializing in commercial credit. But when the weekend hits, welding takes center stage.
“Just for fun, I told my husband I was going to give myself an artistic nickname: The Welding Banker. It’s a perfect balance for me—calculating numbers in my head during the week and releasing my emotions during the weekend. I breathe freedom—of course with a filter mask to ensure I don’t get metal in my lungs.
“I’ve learned through this passion that whatever I’m feeling can be poured directly into a sculpture or art piece,” she concludes. “The emotions we experience as humans are universal—shared by many of us, though felt with different intensity depending on what life brings our way. Through art, we can release that overflow and transform it into something meaningful and unique. We all have hidden potential and we often have more than one special gift in life.”
