metal animals

This sci-fi take on one of Africa's most singular creatures will make for a very cool desk partner or an excellent conversation piece nestled in your shelves. Armando Ramirez handcrafts it from a combination of recycled auto and bicycle metal parts, and gives it a rough, rustic finish for added grit.

The Mexican artisan has turned his childhood pastime of crafting toys into an art form that has allowed him to exploit his ingenuity and his creativity. He uses scrap metal from auto shops and bicycles to create sculptures, decor pieces, and even chess sets. The popularity of his creations has enabled Armando to start a workshop and dedicate himself full-time to his artistic pursuits.

With this sculpture, Mexican artisan Armando Ramirez gives a whole new meaning to the phrase "iron horse." Rearing on its hind wheel, a half-horse, half-motorcycle hybrid kicks its front legs. Ramirez crafts this sculpture by hand from upcycled metal auto parts, including spark plugs, springs, cogs, and nuts.

With an expert eye, Mexico's Armando Ramirez envisions beauty in discarded auto parts and scrap metal, transforming them into a romantic statuette of a couple swaying on an ornate swing. Subtle varnish allows the metal's natural character to shine through while intricate details like flowers, leaves and butterflies add whimsical charm. This singular handcrafted sculpture is perfect for the eco-conscious connoisseur.

"My designs use upcycling scrap and turn it into decorative sculptures that feature a rustic finish in accordance with the process and materials," says Mexican artisan Armando Ramirez, who creates stunning artwork made with eco-friendly practices. This petite figurine of an abstract elephant crafted from recycled metal and auto parts has a rustic finish, but is still modern and shiny thanks to a light coat of enamel.

For this set of two contemporary candle holders, artisan Juan Vargas of Mexico did not simply make them identical, but rather created each with complementary designs. In both, etched glass takes center stage, with the silvery metal functioning to keep both holder and candle upright. They are designed for taper candles.