What happens to scrap metal? It mostly finds its way back to the melting furnace to be cast anew. However, here’s one sculptor, who recycles scrap metal in his own unique way. He’s Brian Mock, a master sculptor, who uses an amazing combination of technical skill, imagination, and experience to create incredible pieces of art from recycled or found objects.
One can find Mock salvaging his sculpture materials not only from the scrapyards but also from industrial recycle bins and secondary stores. In an interview to wescover.com, he tells about his love for recycled items, thus, “I love working with reclaimed items because they’re already interesting and historic in their own right. Metal is my go-to material, but I also like adding wood, plastic, ceramic…it’s all fun.”
Growing up in Portland, Oregon, US, Mock was passionate about drawing from his childhood days. He continued to pursue this passion into his adult life, expressing his art through painting and wood carving. It was in the 1990s that he discovered the challenging work of sculpting with recycled metal. What’s surprising is he did not take any training in metalwork but taught himself welding skills. He honed his skills and mastered the technique and art of metal sculpting.
What sets Mock’s sculptures apart is they’re 100 percent original and one-of-a-kind that cannot be duplicated or reproduced. Like people sign or put their names on their works, he too includes a personal item in all his sculptures; this is his way of signing his works. Unlike many artists and sculptors, who derive their inspiration from the works of masters or nature, Mock’s inspiration comes from his family, whose continued support motivates him no end.
Currently based in Beaverton, Oregon, US, Mock considers his sculptures complete when he places their eyes. He told wescover.com, “My pieces come to life as soon as they’ve eyes, or when I can achieve a fluidity of motion, such as in the hair of a mane or the curve of a fin.”
Mock is currently involved in commission work for Ripley’s ‘Believe It or Not’. His two large dog sculptures are also set to be showcased in the Hollywood and San Francisco museums. Major galleries stretching from New York to Maui also display his works. His sculptures also figure in public spaces and in numerous publications, including two art books.
Mock’s creations can be found on many websites. He also enjoys a fan following of over 23,000 on Instagram alone.
Brian Mock: Website | Instagram
