Every week I write a column called BE YOU for one of the local papers (The Times of Acadiana) – Each week someone different answers the questionnaire – the paper often has to edit them,  so here are all the answers, unedited (the whole truth.) This week, Kelly Guidry.

Kelly Guidry tells me with a smile that he’s sculptor. I know he’s an incredibly talented artist – I have a piece of his work in my living room that makes me smile everyday and I plan to buy more. He uses chainsaws and power tools to create beautiful pieces of art from wood and metal. As you will see Kelly isn’t one to waste words, he gets straight to the heart of the questions – he lives his life the same way and it shows. Find out more at KellyGuidry.com or his facebook fan page

What was your first job?

I was a Pool Boy.

Describe a typical day in your life. 

Wrestling kids and wild dogs and playing with power tools.

What advice would you give the younger you?

Don’t be so scared of everything. Don’t worry about what other people think of me.

What event in your life most shaped who you are now?

My transition from advertising to full time sculptor.

What values do you live by?  

Work hard and be grateful for what you have. Take care of your responsibilities.

What do you most appreciate?

Being able to make a living doing what I love.

What is your favorite journey?  

Transition from childhood to adulthood (college years).

Where is your favorite place to be alone?

At the Guidry compound.

What living figure most inspires you?

John Geldersma

What was the best advice you were ever given?

Elmore Morgan Jr told me to work prolifically, develop your style and keep your eyes open for opportunity.

What book would you tell everyone to read?

Anything by Eckart Tolle

What is the best thing about where you live?

(Breaux Bridge) The grocery store is close and the neighbors are tolerant of my noisy work.

How do you “let the good times roll” ?

Going out with friends in New Orleans.

What did u want to be when you grew up?

I wanted to be an artist.

What is your motto?

Work Hard, Pray and Have Faith.

How would you like to be remembered?

Someone who is a good person and a notable artist.

What do you say to yourself when you doubt yourself?

Shake it off!

What three things are vital to BEing YOU?  

Ragged clothes, Power tools and Rowdy Dogs

Which words or phrases do you most overuse?

Pa Bon

What is your favorite word?

Tentative

What do you collect?

Art

What food could you live on for a month?

Tacos
What would you change about yourself?

I’d like to be more energetic.

What literary, movie or cartoon character do you most identify with?

Calvin from Calvin and Hobbes

Describe yourself in five words. 

Sculptor – Father – Conservative – Reclusive – Honest

What is your idea of happiness?

Having Health, Prosperity and Love.

What is your favorite movie?

I like a lot of movies.

What music defines who you are?

Blues Music

What do you most regret?

I try not to regret.

What question do you wish I’d asked? 

How many wigs and toupees do you have and do you wear them?

What would the answer be?

I wear them from time to time, when the mood strikes me.