How to Collect Metal Sculptures

From odd artistic expressions made from junkyard scraps to bronze statues made in ancient Persia, metal sculptures encompass a wide variety of styles and subjects. Building a satisfying collection of metal sculptures will depend upon your priorities, whether they are oriented toward aesthetics or value.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Find a style of metal sculpture that appeals to you aesthetically. Since the choices are so vast, this may require visiting numerous art galleries and shows to narrow down your choices. Focus on artistic themes, styles and even the specific types of metals themselves to determine what appeals to you, which should help you decide on a specific direction for your collection.

2. Determine how your choice of metal sculptures will interact with the display environment. For instance, classic bronze sculptures may look out of place in a more modern style of decor, and an abstract aluminum piece may not work alongside more traditional themes. In many cases, you may want to change the style of your home to accommodate specific sculptures if you become emotionally attached to the pieces you collect.

3. Have a metal sculpture commissioned by a local artist to your specifications. This may be the best way to collect the right type of metal sculptures that will fit into your home and complement the space. It may be an even better idea to invite the artist into your home and show her the space so that she may become inspired.

4. Collect metal sculptures that have been assembled from pieces and scraps of other items or products. Many modern artists have explored this concept, which unites the idea of recycling with a more profound sense of resurrection. This breathes new life into old objects, rendering them useful once again. This type of art, known as "found objects," may also utilize other types of materials such as wood, paper and fabric.

5. Make friends with an art gallery owner or curator and show him your current collection of metal sculptures. This may help him to keep an eye out for similar pieces that may complement existing works and help to build your collection. An art gallery owner may be the perfect liaison between you and promising sculptors in the area as well.

Tips & Warnings

• Protect your metal sculptures from curious hands--and vice versa--by placing them out of the way of traffic patterns in your house. Some metal sculptures may contain surprisingly sharp edges and points.