Michael Foster

Artist Statement

I make a wide variety of sculptures and furniture out of salvaged metals. Really, anything metal that is destined for landfill. I get great satisfaction in taking discarded, unwanted things and turning them into something that is wanted, something that sparks conversation and brings some joy to those that see it.

I started off using a lot of automotive parts, gears, chain, bolts, pistons… the list goes on. At this point in my career, people just call and ask if I want whatever they have: old worn out tools, flatware, miscellaneous hardware, pretty much any metal "stuff". All of these will get turned into something that will far outlive whatever it’s pieces were before.

I find a lot of my inspiration in nature. I love animals, and trying to capture the spirit of an endangered white rhino or the tranquility of a swimming sea turtle with miscellaneous metal gears and hardware is a challenge that I enjoy taking on. I also like making robots - the freedom of not having any real rules in their construction is both liberating and challenging at the same time. Giving a playful personality to things that don't necessarily have any personality at all is very satisfying.

The vast majority of my work is welded using TIG or MIG (both types of Arc welding), depending on the project. I also do some forging and use just about any tool available for metal work. Generally, I will start with 1 piece and build around it. In the case of the rhino head I did, the sculpture was built around a couple of old brass doorknobs that were used as eyes. If I can’t find the right piece for a particular part of a sculpture, I will modify, cut, weld, bend, and/or grind something I already have to get the part right. Building sculptures is my happy place. I easily lose track of time, but eventually there is something that will bring joy to those that see it.