Alex Banfield had to make a decision—was he going to keep pursuing a traditional college degree or find something else to do that felt more satisfying. In this podcast, he talks about wanting to simplify his life and work with his hands. “There’s so many things going on in the world, you have to decide what you want to make into beauty.” With the help of Trek Epic’s Andrew Bryan, he got into the Heritage Masonry and Stonecarving program American College of the Building Arts in Charleston, South Carolina. He had the good fortune to meet several influential mentors as he started out at the school, and his passion kept growing. Seeing both the unforgiving nature of the material, and also the beauty that reveals itself as you work with it, it’s pretty clear Alex has found a way to be at home in the world no matter where he is. He’s worked on restoration of churches, homes, and bridges in both the United States and Canada.

Find out more about the Core Gift Institute by visiting our website, www.coregift.org

Thanks to Jeff Hoyt at Hoyt’s Greater Community Radio for vocal additions.

Music by Benson.