Every so often, a piece comes together that feels alive before the welds have even cooled. Junkyard Dog was one of those builds.
Built entirely from reclaimed steel — chains, wrenches, gears, and the kind of forgotten parts that usually live out their days in a bucket by the shop door — this near life-sized sculpture started as a pile of leftover metal and turned into something much more.
I wanted to capture a sense of loyalty and grit. Dogs have always been symbols of protection and companionship, and this one, built from the scraps of hard work, embodies both. Every piece tells a story: the bend in an old wrench, the pitted surface of a timing gear, the jagged edges of rebar welded into muscle and motion.
When the light hits just right, the clear-coated steel reflects a mix of raw texture and subtle shine — a reminder that beauty doesn’t always come from polish, but from persistence. That’s really what Junkyard Dog is about. It’s a tribute to the kind of toughness that doesn’t quit, even when it’s built from what’s been left behind.
Like most of my work, this piece was never drawn out or planned. It evolved on the table, one weld at a time, until a posture and presence emerged — alert, loyal, and ready to move. There’s something about the way it sits that feels alive, like it’s guarding the studio door, waiting for a signal.
Junkyard Dog stands as a reminder of what can happen when you give new life to old materials. It’s proof that art doesn’t have to start with something new — it just needs imagination, patience, and a willingness to see potential where others see waste.
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