Search
Items tagged with: artFromTrash
Sculptures From Recycled Materials (15 Photos)
Content warning: Public art can make boring places feel special and exciting. It surprises us, gets us thinking, and helps us see the world in a new way. Some sculptures are made to fit perfectly into their surroundings, mixing art and nature in creative ways. Here, you’l
Public art can make boring places feel special and exciting. It surprises us, gets us thinking, and helps us see the world in a new way. Some sculptures are made to fit perfectly into their surroundings, mixing art and nature in creative ways.
Here, you’ll see 8 amazing sculptures from around the world. These artworks turn simple ideas into something incredible. From a giant clothespin pinching the ground to a zipper opening a stream, these pieces show how art can be surprising and fun.
More!: Sculptures With Unique Creativity (23 Photos)
1. Miles Davis Sculpture by Vlado Kostov (Kotor, Montenegro)
A striking metal tribute to jazz legend Miles Davis, this sculpture in Montenegro captures the raw energy of his music. Made from recycled industrial parts, it gives a futuristic, almost robotic feel to the musician’s iconic presence.
2. ‘Looking Tyred’ by Villu Jaanisoo (Jyväskylä, Finland)
This massive elephant, sculpted entirely from old tires, is the work of Estonian sculptor Villu Jaanisoo. Located in Jyväskylä, Finland, the interwoven rubber creates a lifelike texture, making the elephant seem almost real. Beyond its artistic impact, the sculpture highlights the creative potential of discarded materials and the need for sustainability in art.
About and more photos: Elephant sculpture made of tires by Villu Jaanisoo
3. ‘You Blew Me Away 8’ by Penny Hardy
Crafted from old scrap metal, this breathtaking sculpture by Penny Hardy embodies motion and emotion. The figure appears to dissolve into the wind, symbolizing impermanence and transformation through recycled materials.
4. Driftwood Sculptures by Nagato Iwasaki (Japan)
These haunting human-like figures, created from collected driftwood, stand eerily in natural landscapes. Their weathered, organic appearance seamlessly blends with the surrounding forests and rivers, as if nature itself sculpted them.
More: From Debris to Masterpiece: 10 Unbelievable Driftwood Sculptures That Defy Imaginatio
5. Stained Glass Cat by Shelyhina Kateryna
A vibrant mosaic feline composed of shattered stained glass pieces, this sculpture transforms discarded glass into a dazzling work of art that glows under natural light.
More about this glass cat: The natural movement of this cat sculpture is amazing
6. “A Mother’s Love” and part of a project called Deconstruction in Torrelavega, Spain
The local culture group Asociación Cultural Octubre de Torrelavega did this sculpture named “A Mother’s Love” as part of a larger art installation in order to raise awareness about the importance of gender equality.
More photos: The weight on a mother’s shoulders
7. Giant Bear by Bordalo II (Turin, Italy)
Portuguese artist Bordalo II is famous for his large-scale animals made from urban trash. This bear, constructed from scrap metal and painted with bold strokes, is both a stunning visual and an environmental statement.
More by the artist!: 22 photos – A Collection of Street Art by Bordalo II
8. Kingfisher Bird by JK Brown
Crafted from discarded scrap metal, this delicate kingfisher sculpture perfectly captures the grace of the bird. The artist’s ability to shape industrial waste into something so lifelike is remarkable.
9. Merino Ram Sculpture by Matt Sloane (Tasmania, Australia)
This sturdy and detailed ram sculpture, made from recycled metal, highlights Matt Sloane’s skill in assembling machine parts into a recognizable, organic form. The texture of the metal resembles the woolly coat of the animal.
10. Troll Hannes by Thomas Dambo (Boom, Belgium)
Part of Dambo’s famous troll series, ‘Hannes’ is a giant wooden troll resting on an old brick structure. Made from reclaimed wood, it embodies the artist’s love for sustainability and storytelling.
11. ‘Knife Angel’ by Alfie Bradley (UK)
A 27-foot-tall angel by Alfie Bradley. Constructed from over 100,000 confiscated knives and blades collected from police stations across the UK. Its sorrowful face and outstretched hands convey a deep message about the impact of knife crime.
12. Tom Murphy Portrait by Bernard Pras (Galway, Ireland)
A 3D portrait made entirely from discarded objects like furniture and car parts, this piece changes perspective when viewed from different angles. Bernard Pras masterfully assembles everyday junk into something deeply artistic.
13. Stainless Steel Nuts Sculptures by Jean Martin in Saint Barth
This collection of figures made from thousands of stainless steel nuts showcases the beauty of industrial materials. The polished metal reflects light, giving the sculptures an ethereal appearance.
14. Giant LEGO Brick Repair by Jan Vormann
Urban repair meets street art in this fun and colorful installation. Instead of fixing broken walls with cement, Jan Vormann fills the cracks with LEGO bricks, adding a playful yet thought-provoking touch to urban landscapes.
More!: Repairing the World with LEGO
15. Angel of the North — Gateshead, UK
Standing 20 meters tall with a wingspan of 54 meters, Angel of the North by Antony Gormley rises from the hillside as if rooted in the earth itself. Constructed from weathering steel, its rust-red color blends into the landscape, making it appear as an ancient guardian or relic born from the soil.
More recycled: 8 Inspiring Sculptures Seamlessly Integrated with Nature
Which one is your favorite?
Playing With Statues (26 photos)
Ever looked at a statue and thought, “What would happen if we made this masterpiece a little… mischievous?”
You’re not alone! Every day, people worldwide are adding a twist to statues, bringing them into the world of “dudeism.” Imagine classic sculptures sporting sunglasses or historic figures wielding quirky accessories.It’s not just about fun; these makeovers invite us to reimagine public spaces and remind us that art doesn’t have to be serious. Dive in, laugh, and let these clever creations inspire!
More: 9 Hilarious Gargoyle Statues: Medieval Humor!
1
Classical statue holding a basket.
2
Man interacts with “Counterpoint” sculpture in Salt Lake City, Utah.
3
Spider-Man posed with the Jorge Matute Remus statue in Guadalajara, Mexico.
4
5
Woman leans in to “kiss” a statue at Love Land Sculpture Park in South Korea.
6
7
8
A visitor interacts with a giant face sculpture in Davis, California.
9
A person humorously “falls” at the foot of the Ronald Reagan statue in Budapest, Hungary.
10
In Philadelphia, Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Jefferson statues seem to take a modern “selfie.”
11
Giant Pigeon in Bracknell, UK.
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
This sculpture is titled “La Espera” (“The Wait”) and is located on the promenade in Torrevieja, Spain. The piece symbolizes the wives, mothers, and daughters of fishermen who would wait by the shore for their loved ones to return from the sea.
25
26
More: When Statues Become Fathers: Creative Street Art on Equal Parenting
Which sculpture is your favorite?
Get Ordained for Free at the Religion of Dudeism
Get ordained for free at the world's most easygoing religion. Inspired by The Big Lebowski, Taoism, Zen and more.The Dudely Lama (Dudeism LLC)
Junk Metal Sculptures (8 Photos)
Content warning: Which one is your favorite?
What happens when discarded tools, engine parts, and industrial scrap fall into the hands of visionary sculptors? These 8 remarkable sculptures from around the world show how metal once forgotten can be reborn — as birds, angels, dogs, and even the wind itself. Featuring artists like Penny Hardy, Bordalo II, Brian Mock, and Matt Sloane, this post explores works found in public squares, coastal cliffs, and urban buildings.
More!: Playing with statues (25 photos)
1. You Blew Me Away 8 — Penny Hardy’s Sculpture in the UK
This wind-swept metal figure appears to be dissolving into the air, created from reclaimed mechanical parts. The sculpture captures the sense of a body breaking apart mid-stride — yet standing tall — as if eroded by invisible forces.
More!: You Blew Me Away 8 by sculptor Penny Hardy
2. Stainless Steel Silhouettes — Jean-Michel Martin’s Sculpture in Saint Barthélemy
Four life-sized human figures stand at the edge of a cliff in Saint Barthélemy, sculpted entirely from stainless steel nuts. Their forms are precise and anatomical at the front, but gradually dissolve into open space toward the back, mimicking the effect of wind eroding their bodies. The placement above the bright blue coastline enhances the sense of weightlessness and disintegration.
More photos!: Powerful statues made of stainless steel nuts (by Jean Martin in Saint Barth)
3. Kingfisher with Catch — Sculpture by JK Brown in the UK
This small sculpture of a kingfisher is crafted by UK-based artist JK Brown using only scrap metal. Carefully shaped from discarded blue sheet metal, screws, and rusted parts, the bird perches on a steel rod with a small fish delicately clamped in its beak. JK Brown is known for transforming reclaimed materials into wildlife forms, often inspired by local fauna.
More photos!: ‘Kingfisher’ by J.K. Brown
4. Merino Ram — Matt Sloane in Tasmania, Australia
Crafted from gears, tires, and chain components, this robust sculpture of a ram stands proudly on a field. The artist used intricate layering to recreate the texture of wool with remarkable detail.
5. Miles Davis — Vlado Kostov’s Sculpture in Kotor, Montenegro
Mounted on a stone wall, this wall sculpture features a jazz musician playing trumpet, crafted entirely from salvaged metal. The use of chains, vents, and pipes gives it a mechanical soul, yet it feels expressive.
6. The Dublin Red Squirrel — Bordalo II in Dublin, Ireland
A towering squirrel made from trash, scrap, and old car parts climbs the side of a building in Dublin. Known for his environmental 3D murals, Bordalo II brings awareness to waste through oversized wildlife forms.
More by Bordalo II!: 22 photos – A Collection of Street Art by Bordalo II
7. The Knife Angel — Alfie Bradley in the UK
Standing over 8 meters tall, this angel is constructed from 100,000 surrendered knives. Created to highlight knife violence in the UK, the sculpture’s solemn face and outstretched hands give it a haunting presence.
More photos and about!: Made of 100,000 knives removed from UK streets (3 photos and video)
8. Dog and Cat Duo — Brian Mock in the USA
In this heartwarming pair, a cat made of twisted metal rods gazes up at a metallic dog made from hand tools. The posture and expressions are captured entirely through scrap — yet radiate life.
More: 15 Powerful Art Pieces Overflowing With Emotion
Which one is your favorite?
Playing With Statues (26 photos)
Ever looked at a statue and thought, “What would happen if we made this masterpiece a little… mischievous?”
You’re not alone! Every day, people worldwide are adding a twist to statues, bringing them into the world of “dudeism.” Imagine classic sculptures sporting sunglasses or historic figures wielding quirky accessories.It’s not just about fun; these makeovers invite us to reimagine public spaces and remind us that art doesn’t have to be serious. Dive in, laugh, and let these clever creations inspire!
More: 9 Hilarious Gargoyle Statues: Medieval Humor!
1
Classical statue holding a basket.
2
Man interacts with “Counterpoint” sculpture in Salt Lake City, Utah.
3
Spider-Man posed with the Jorge Matute Remus statue in Guadalajara, Mexico.
4
5
Woman leans in to “kiss” a statue at Love Land Sculpture Park in South Korea.
6
7
8
A visitor interacts with a giant face sculpture in Davis, California.
9
A person humorously “falls” at the foot of the Ronald Reagan statue in Budapest, Hungary.
10
In Philadelphia, Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Jefferson statues seem to take a modern “selfie.”
11
Giant Pigeon in Bracknell, UK.
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
This sculpture is titled “La Espera” (“The Wait”) and is located on the promenade in Torrevieja, Spain. The piece symbolizes the wives, mothers, and daughters of fishermen who would wait by the shore for their loved ones to return from the sea.
25
26
More: When Statues Become Fathers: Creative Street Art on Equal Parenting
Which sculpture is your favorite?
Get Ordained for Free at the Religion of Dudeism
Get ordained for free at the world's most easygoing religion. Inspired by The Big Lebowski, Taoism, Zen and more.The Dudely Lama (Dudeism LLC)