Scrap Metal Art
Most people who like art, or appreciate art, just not scrap metal art, rarely look in a scrap yard to find it. As most of our readers know, that’s not what we see. South Carolina-based artist Matt Wilson, with Airtight Artwork sees plenty of this everyday. The scrap sculptor transforms scrap metal, drift wood, and found objects into magnificent bird sculptures that look like they could come to life and fly away. Wilson says his work is a reflection of the environment . By working as a resident artist at Detyens Shipyard, he gives a longer life cycle to discarded materials. “The upcycled work I create is a testimony to the belief of conserving and appreciating our resources,” he explains.
Wilson’s flock of sculptures depict various types of birds, ranging from woodland blackbirds, robins, blue jays, and owls, to predatory eagles and ravens sporting intimidating arched wings. Wilson works with scrap metal on a daily basis, honing is skill and his art at the same time. the hardest part, Wilson says “is waiting to find the perfect piece of material to work with”
Although the found materials have been reused and transformed, they are still recognizable. In one piece, a long metal coil becomes an elegant neck of a metal heron, and in others, antique silver forks take the place of birds wings and feet, and a slotted spoon serve as the breast of a barn owl. Wilson varies his creative interpretations from project to project. While some of the sculptures are freestanding, others perch on pieces of metal or reclaimed driftwood.
For artist like Wilson, or even yourself, maybe you are skilled and match his skill and craftsmanship, or possibly you are a beginner like most of use and haven’t picked up scrap piece number 1 as of yet. Make sure you visit Artist Paradise, every first and third Saturday of the month.
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