Scrap Metal Sculptures with Magnificent Manes Untamed Beauty from the American Heartland
There is no denying the dominating presence of a John Lopez sculpture. Life-size or larger, they not only impress with size, but also with meticulous detail. The viewing public endlessly examine the small parts of his scrap metal horse sculptures, some of which are valuable antiques.
Infused with the discarded machine parts is his own bronze work, thus granting his art the designation: hybrid metal art sculpture. It is exactly what makes his ongoing “Horses” project so memorable—multiple engrossing layers of material and concept.
Looking for a centerpiece for their grounds, Runnymede Farms, a historic breeding farm in New Hampshire, commissioned Friesian. The visitors to the farm awe at the iconic art installation, which serves as a symbol of tradition and innovation. The antique plow discs are now featured in a wholly contemporary and sleek design. A scrap metal sculpture like this has the power to turn a town square into a landmark, or an open field into a sight to behold.
The “Horses” project embodies so many ideas. First, it commemorates the singular history of equestrian America and the hard work of Americans. Secondly, it promotes sustainability, a topic of rising interest in the world. The artist states:
“I never use anything they [the farmers and ranchers he collects scraps from] could still use.”
This practice not only produces interesting artwork, but also hints a message to the public.
Selecting a John Lopez scrap metal horse sculpture for public display subtly and elegantly shows support for reuse.
Purchased by the local public arts council, the addition of Iron Star to Hill City, South Dakota has amazed its citizens. Lopez recounts:
“Cowboys who drive by pulling horse trailers have reported that their horses actually whinny when they pass Iron Star!”
The masterful lines of the sculpture suggest motion and life that attracts attention from visitors to the town and even fools the horses. Included in the piece are wonderful finishing touches, including the incorporation of the model the artist made as a study for the scrap metal sculpture.
The ability to always find something new ensures that Iron Star and Lopez’s other iconic horse figures will be admired for generations. The structural integrity and durability of the metals, of course, adds to this security as well.
There is no denying the dominating presence of a John Lopez sculpture. Life-size or larger, they not only impress with size, but also with meticulous detail. The viewing public endlessly examine the small parts of his scrap metal horse sculptures, some of which are valuable antiques.
Infused with the discarded machine parts is his own bronze work, thus granting his art the designation: hybrid metal art sculpture. It is exactly what makes his ongoing “Horses” project so memorable—multiple engrossing layers of material and concept.
The world famous Hermès workshop invited Lopez to select metal pieces in Paris, France to include in an equestrian artwork for a storefront window display in Houston, Texas. This continuation of his “Horses” project has a smoother and more refined look than previous works, meeting the expectations of the luxury leather goods and clothing manufacturer. It suits a company that prides itself on tradition to create such a symbol of reverence to artifacts from its own past.
Not just in Hermes, but throughout his extraordinary “Horses” series, stories have always been a focal point for Lopez. He archives the sources of his collected materials and preserves local lore passed down from elder citizens. Wherever his metallic horses are installed, Lopez takes strong consideration to the site-specific requirements of each place. It is not only his strategy of constructing landmark sculptures, but an integral part of his artistic process as well. One thing is for sure, there is no doubt that his scrap metal horse sculptures will continue to serve as visual hubs to many more towns and cities to come.