How to Create a Metal Art Sculpture

Metal sculpture of a butterfly for yards or gardens

Artists create metal sculpture by fusing metal pieces. They may use rusted metals, metal sheets and metals mixed with other minerals. Aluminum, brass and steel are among the metals artists sculpt with.

Things You'll Need

• Metal
• Torch
• Metal grinder

Instructions

1. Locate metal. You can purchase it from companies that sell aluminum and steel products, or find abandoned metals in scrap yards or other sites.

2. Assemble the pieces. There should be an aesthetic relationship between the pieces so that the final product will have integrity and not have the appearance of a hodgepodge of metal pieces put together.

3. 

   Artists weld pieces of metal together to create sculptures.

   Weld metal pieces together. Use tack welding to make sure the pieces fit securely, then make a longer weld across two seams. For a polished look, use a metal grinder on the surface.

Tips & Warnings

• The heat from welding can cause color change.

• A shift when joining pieces can ruin the finished product.

• Use safety gear when welding or grinding metal.

References

• Graphic Mania: 60+ Truely Inspired Figurative Metal Sculptures
• Jeff Smith: Artistry in Metal Sculpture
• Teaching Art and Sculpture: Tack Welds, Scribing & 90 Degree Angles

Resources

• American Douglas Metals