I enjoy finding new uses for old car parts. I began by searching through junkyards, where most people see useless trash. To me, these old parts are full of possibilities. I take them home and use my welding tools to make them into art.
For example, I once used brake pads to make the feet of a metal bird sculpture and spark plugs for the eyes of a metal owl. My art, made from car parts that were once thrown away, now gets attention in art galleries.
One specific project stands out. I found an old steering wheel, tarnished and forgotten. Inspired, I cleaned it up and welded it onto a metal frame I crafted into the shape of a guitar. This piece, the 'Steer 'n' Strum,' became a centerpiece in a local art show. People were drawn to it because it was not just a guitar; it was diyautomechanic.blogspot.com a story of transformation.
This project taught me the importance of vision and patience. You can't rush art, especially when you're turning old parts into new treasures. I learned to look beyond the rust and grime to see the potential for beauty.
One day I was at a junkyard and found three twisted exhaust pipes. I was there for another reason, (read more) but I can't remember what it was. These pipes, bent and rusty, seemed like trash to most people. But to me, they looked interesting, like parts of animal skeletons.
I enjoy fixing things and making new stuff. That day, I started to see old car parts in a new way. I thought they could be more than just machine parts. They could be art.
Making sculptures out of car parts took a lot of work. These parts weren't meant to be art, so I'd to shape them into what I imagined. Working with cars, I often thought about how machines are a bit like living things. They've parts that work together. By making art from car parts, I was showing how machines and life are connected. The sculptures felt alive. They'd movement and told a story.
Once, I turned a grille into a piece of wall art for a local diner. I spent days polishing it and attaching it to a vintage-style frame. The owner wanted something to remind customers of classic cars. My piece was perfect for that. It wasn't just a car part, but a memory of the past, now hanging on a wall.
This is an example of how I use specific parts to create custom art.
Over time, I've become skilled at turning old car parts into detailed art. Making a giraffe out of a piston and railroad spikes was a unique challenge. Now, it shows how car parts can be used in new ways.
Recently, people have shown more interest in my art made from car parts. I've used drive shafts to make the main part of metal animals and brake shoes for their feet. It's been a creative journey of thinking and welding.
For example, I once used a large part from a Chrysler to make a dinosaur, and it was a hit. These sturdy car parts seem meant to be turned into something amazing.
This work isn't just about art; it's about helping the planet. By using old parts, I'm part of a movement that cares about the environment. People used to be unsure about my sculptures, but now they respect them. I even get support from companies. It's great that my art is in museums around the world.