Meet Brian Mock, a self-taught artist from Oregon who brings reclaimed materials back to life; he transforms forks, screws, and car parts into unique sculptures.
The artist collects things for his artworks from local machine and car stores, and he’s been granted free access to dumpsters, people’s basements, and garages.
“I’ve always loved the simple concept of making something new from something old. It’s a fun, creative challenge, and the bonus is that using scrap materials keeps it out of landfills. I hope my art encourages people to take creative measures to generate less waste,” Mock told us in a previous interview.
More info: Instagram | brianmock.com | Facebook | twitter.com
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When growing up, Mock loved to draw. As he got older, he started painting and carving wood. It wasn’t until the late 1990s that he discovered his true passion when he began sculpting with recycled metal. This made him excited and creative. He learned how to weld independently and got good at it, making his art unique and well-crafted.
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“Giving old, everyday objects a new life as one sculpture is an artistically demanding, yet gratifying, process. 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 writes on his website.
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We contacted Mock again to learn more about him and his creative process. We were curious to know what made him passionate about creating sculptures. “My passion is rooted in self-expression,” the artist shared. “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 convey an emotion without saying a word.”
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Mock has been sculpting for over 20 years, and it’s not always easy. We asked the artist what keeps him going and making such beautiful art. He replied that he was motivated by his growth 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 many things I haven’t made yet – I want to try making everything at least once!”
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The artist shared a story about a challenging project that left a lasting impression on him. He made a sculpture for the Revere Hotel in Boston, a 10 ft tall Paul Revere on horseback, which needed to get through a 6 ft H lobby door for installation. It was the only time I’ve ever had to create and ship a sculpture in sections and then complete it on site.”
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“My dream project is really whichever project I’m currently working on. Making art for a living was always my dream, so every project I get is a dream come true,” the artist shared.
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