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Artist Revives Used Metal From Landfill By Reusing It For His Amazing Sculptures (23 New Pics)
Brian Mock, an innovative artist from Oregon, has kept about 20-30 tons of metal out of landfills by using it for his sculptures.
Anything from forks to screws or car parts can turn into a masterpiece in Brian's hands. Though most of his work is commissions, he shared that his creative process starts with a rough sketch, and then the huge inventory of pieces guides him. Brian uses MIG welding as his main method of fabrication, but other techniques, like metal cutting and grinding, are also an important part of the process.
Brian's approach to creating is inspiring a shift toward more sustainable practices and proving that beauty can emerge from the most unexpected places.
More info: Instagram | brianmock.com | Facebook | x.com
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Previously Brian shared that his passion for his sculptures “is rooted in self-expression. Ever since I was a kid, I've struggled with verbal communication. So in a way, I feel like my sculptures do the speaking for me. Through my work, I can make a statement, or just convey an emotion, without having to say a word,” wrote the artist.
Brian also continued by explaining what keeps him going as a sculptor: "I see the improvement in the work I'm doing now compared to when I started 20+ years ago, even compared to 5 years ago, and it makes me wonder how much improvement there could be in another year, or five years, or ten years. I'm always striving to get better. I'm also motivated by the vast number of things I haven't made yet - I want to try making everything at least once!"
As challenges go, Brian shared that the most limiting thing is using only what he has on hand. “Sometimes I think about how much easier my job would be if I could go out and buy a specific piece I may need. Instead, if I can’t find that perfect piece in my piles, I have to make it myself.”
Every project Brian is on is his dream project. "Making art for a living was always my dream, so every project I get is a dream come true,” shared the artist.
Nice work. But the title is misleading. The metal is not "From Landfill". It is metal that could have gone to metal recycling if he hadn't used it.
Nice work. But the title is misleading. The metal is not "From Landfill". It is metal that could have gone to metal recycling if he hadn't used it.