Tuesday 10th November 2009

The Art Of Recycling: A Pretty Pile Of Scrap

Aussie artist finds an unusual use for unwanted car parts...

---

'Brooklands Ford'

In these lean, green times, even PH occasionally has to mention the 'R' word (that's 'recycling', not 'recession'). But it doesn't all have to be about cardboard eco-boxes with tyres made from old shoes. An exhibition opening its doors next weekend will show a selection of dramatic sculptures made from scrapped and damaged car parts, and includes many recreations of classic and vintage cars.

Australian artist James Corbett has been creating sculptures out of scrap for years, and much of his work has concentrated on cars and bikes. Many of the parts he uses come from rare and classic cars, and are sourced at scrap yards and swapmeets in Corbett's native Queensland.

But James doesn't confine his activities to the scrapyard and swapmeet. He once built himself a full-size car in the style of a pre-war racer. The car he named 'Toad Hall' is based on a Model T Ford chassis, and powered by a tuned Mercury flathead V8.

'Racing Morgan'

We've gathered some pictures below, showing a selection of the amazing sculptures that Corbett has created, some of which will be at the exhibition in a few weeks time. We hope the eagle-eyed among you might have some fun spotting where some of the parts have come from...

Corbett's latest British exhibition runs from 21 November to 19 December at the John Davies gallery in Moreton-in-Marsh, Gloucestershire. For more information check out James Corbetts' homepage, and be sure to visit the John Davies gallery's website for more pictures of amazing car part sculptures.

Works Austin	'BSA Bantam'
'Matchless'	'Grand Prix Peugeot'
'The Farmer's Friend'	'JC Cooper 500'

 

[TheRoadWarrior]

Cool! How big are they? I cant get any sense of scale from the pictures.

[danrc]

I was thinking that too.

I love the attention to detail on them.

[Hugo a Gogo]

TheRoadWarrior said:

Cool! How big are they? I cant get any sense of scale from the pictures.

the bantam has a spark plug on the back wheel, so you can tell from that I suppose

really nice, great impressions of speed

[thewheelman]

The exhibition is in my neck of the woods,might have to drag the girlfriend down for a look. (that'll teach her for dragging me around clothes shops all weekend)

[jon348]

@wheelman
I envy your revenge!

The models are fantastic

[snuffle]

they look great, seems like a day out is in order.

[Bill]

Those are really cool And the exhibition isn't a million miles from me

[anthea]

Hi - I work at The John Davies Gallery - and yes - the pieces need to be seen to be believed. It's not just cars that James Corbett creates - there is a lifesize Ram made out of sparkplugs... Amazing.

Anyway - here are some of the sizes so you can get some idea: The Ferrari is 8 x 26 x 11 ins; The Racing Morgan is 35 x 16 x 11 ins; The Brookland Ford is 28 x 12 x 10 ins and the Works Austin is 27 x 11 x 10 ins. If anyone wants a brochure, just give the gallery a call. The exhibition starts on November 21st.

[Tim16V]

Those are genius, the way they like they're moving so convincingly is incredible.

[Oddball RS]

They look excellent

[ceriw]

kinetic art............

[flat6buster]

Beautiful - how much?

[TheRoadWarrior]

anthea said:

Hi - I work at The John Davies Gallery - and yes - the pieces need to be seen to be believed. It's not just cars that James Corbett creates - there is a lifesize Ram made out of sparkplugs... Amazing.

Anyway - here are some of the sizes so you can get some idea: The Ferrari is 8 x 26 x 11 ins; The Racing Morgan is 35 x 16 x 11 ins; The Brookland Ford is 28 x 12 x 10 ins and the Works Austin is 27 x 11 x 10 ins. If anyone wants a brochure, just give the gallery a call. The exhibition starts on November 21st.

Thanks for the info!

[SimonSaid]

ceriw said:

kinetic art............

Haha - yes, PH is rather cultured today...

[/cultured]

[Gretchen]

In a similar vein, my seven year old son recently introduced me to Ptolemy's HubCap art...


http://www.hubcapcreatures.com/

[crbox]

flat6buster said:

Beautiful - how much?

Around £4000 for the automotive stuff - gives quite a bit of scope to learn welding and have a go yourself!

[bv7]

In just one word: SUPERB!!!