Cher Parmenter of Greene in her workshop. Submitted photo

A Cher Parmenter original: tools and metal welded into the shape of Maine. Submitted photo

No Etsy. No Instagram. No eBay.

Cher Parmenter of Greene makes art and furniture out of old car parts, and when it comes to marketing her goods, she goes old-school, appearing at car shows and relying on word of mouth. None of those fancy, online shops for her.

We think Cher will be fine. She’s tough. Clever. Adaptable.

Just a few years ago, Cher, now 50, battled cancer. Now that she’s on the mend, part of her recovery involves a welder’s torch and a bunch of old auto parts she welds into some truly fantastic creations.

We caught up with Cher in between projects and learned a little more about her mad skills and the creations that spring from her imagination.

Collectors and the curious can reach out to Cher at GearGirlGifts@gmail.com

What and when was your diagnosis? I was diagnosed with late-stage colon cancer three years ago. It was a sudden diagnosis with emergency surgeries and lengthy hospitalization followed by chemo and

Cher Parmenter’s business card. Submitted photo

home health care. I feel very lucky to be here, yet haunted by the idea of recurrence as it spread to my lymph nodes. The experience left me with permanent neuropathy of my hands and feet and ongoing intestinal issues.

What is your background in welding? I was just an intermittent backyard welder prior to ending my two jobs after cancer. I chose to complete a full course at CMCC (Central Maine Community College) and get my certificate after speaking with the director. The program director was extremely accommodating and allowed me to complete the course while working through oncology appointments and daily symptoms.

Cher Parmenter of Greene makes art and furniture out of old car parts and shows them off the old-school way. Submitted photo

When did it occur to you to make things out of old car parts? Old car parts are my favorite! I have owned, driven and worked on vintage autos for 30 years. I love staring at a piston or grill and letting it tell me what its reincarnation will be. Car culture is my passion and my daily driver is a 1951 Ford Shoebox. Prior to cancer, I had little time to nurture my hobby as I was working two jobs. I now have more time for creating as my health allows. I take advantage of my “good” days and head to the garage. I also repurpose furniture and other items, but it all ends up a piece that brings a bit of edgy-days-gone-by back to life.

Describe some of your favorite pieces. My favorite piece is a pub table that I welded from a vintage Ford pickup truck hood. I welded a loon out old leaf springs with an antique red motorcycle lens for an eye — that is one of my favorites as well. I incorporate pinup art into many of my items as I am a true fan of dresses, heels and simpler beauty trends of the era.

Cher Parmenter created this table from spare parts. Submitted photo

We appreciate that you’re trying to plug your art in traditional ways rather than through online services. What has that been like so far? I have chosen not to use eBay, Etsy, Instagram, etc. for gaining views for my art. Honestly, this HASN’T gone well in a world that is less speak-easy and more instant-click-and-ship. I still prefer getting a message and request to stop by the studio or meeting a person face to face at a vendor event. Watching them get drawn to a certain piece or hearing them talk about a car their father had is soul filling. I want everything to either make someone laugh or smile with a memory. My hope is that local business may purchase pieces for display, but at the end of the day, just creating is rewarding and therapeutic regardless of a sale.

The art aside, what else is going on in your life? I have a 13-year-old chocolate lab who listens to all my ideas faithfully, and two grown boys who are wonderful supporters of their not-so-typical mom. I

also have a fiance who is my biggest fan. We met after he traveled up from NH to buy a piece from me. Although taking care of my property and home is a little harder post cancer, I love Maine! There’s a rhythm in waiting for the next phase of growth or quiet in the seasons. I pray I continue to have enough grit to be in my home for many more years.