Bio

ABOUT SPARK PLUG GUY

"I have the nickname 'Spark Plug Guy' or 'Sparkplug Man' in the art & fine craft world."

The Junk Art Journey Begins

Almost every sculpture contains a spark plug. I am the creator of each of the sculptures. All of the metal sculptures are out of my imagination.

I have been creating metal sculptures for over 30 years, 20 years full-time. The seed for my creative endeavor was planted when I took a welding course at a local technical college. One of our assignments was to take old parts and make something creative out of them. I made a 4 foot rose and have been trying my hand at metal sculpture ever since. I have worked as a welder in an industrial environment for many years. I am now a full time artist and enjoy it immensely.


The Parts, Pieces & Process

Each sculpture is created using what most people call "junk". I find most of the materials that inspire me at recycling centers, salvage yards, thrift stores, and garage sales. Several local automobile, motor cycle and small engine shops also save used spark plugs for me. 

My sculptures are often crafted from materials used in everyday life, such as
  • Old irons
  • Roller skates
  • Toasters
  • Bullet casings
  • Hammer heads
  • Kitchen utensils
  • Hardware items & more
I often dismantle the items and use those parts in several different sculptures. I look at the items and find that they can be used to reflect life in a whimsical way. If you look closely at the sculptures, you will recognize many of the parts. 

Every sculpture is a unique, one-of-a-kind original because the assembly depends on the parts that I have on hand. I never have the exact same parts twice. 

The sculptures are assembled using a MIG welder and Brazing. I also use a cutting torch to make up bases or bend the metal rods that are used for arms and legs for the human and animal forms. The sculptures are then cleaned and sprayed with a clear lacquer spray.

USE YOUR IMAGINATION 

Check out my metal sculptures to see if you can find items you recognize.
View Sculptures
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