After metal products are no longer needed, they often wind up in a landfill. Everything from car parts to cutlery can end up being disposed of in this way, even though they could probably be recycled and used again. This is where artist Brian Mock comes in. For decades, Mock has been sculpting using the metal that he finds exclusively in landfills, repurposing scrap and giving it a second life.
“Giving old, everyday objects a new life as one sculpture is an artistically demanding, yet gratifying, process,” Mock says. “My work is designed to emphasize resourcefulness and encourage viewer engagement. Audience reactions fuel my creativity and help me bring my visions to life.”
Mock is best known for his lifelike animal sculptures, but as impressive as these are, he is also extremely gifted at sculpting people. Even though his work is made of fused metal, it suggests fluidity and motion, providing a dynamic viewing experience. Rock stars leap off their pedestal as they play their guitars, and Paul Revere sits atop his horse, sharing his famous message of “The British are coming!” Even in Mock's more human creations, animals are never far behind, as he often finds a way to incorporate one furry friend or another into his sculptures.
Each artwork deserves a second and third glance, as a closer inspection reveals how the sculptor welds thousands of pieces of metal together to create something altogether new. Nuts and bolts blend seamlessly with larger pieces of scrap in his work, providing his sculptures with smooth curves and sleek sophistication. He uses screws and springs to replicate human hair, winding chains to mimic tails on animals, and spoons to form feathers. In some of his most fearsome creations, long nails represent fangs and claws.
To keep up with Mock's work, be sure to follow him on Instagram. You can learn more about the artist and purchase small-scale pieces through his website.
Brian Mock is an artist who uses scrap metal to create lifelike human and animal sculptures.
He seamlessly welds thousands of pieces of metal together, resulting in gorgeous statues.
Mock is particularly celebrated for his lifelike animal sculptures.
Even in many of his human sculptures, animals are never far behind, and Mock often finds a way to pair people with a furry friend.
Brian Mock: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter
My Modern Met granted permission to feature photos by Brian Mock.
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