Trash To Treasures: The Sculptures Of Dave Thompson

Trash to Treasures: The Sculptures of Dave Thompson is the current exhibit showing at the Spring Preserve until May 20th 2012.  Found-object artist Dave Thompson uses primarily discarded metal, recycling it and transforming it into mythical creatures and other other worldly creations.  

Mr. Thompson’s works are seamlessly incorporated into the natural landscape of the Preserve and concentrated among the gardens and the paths leading towards the gardens.  At the entryway to the Preserve one is met with a large tree made using recycled metal, old pots, pans and teapots as well as wine bottles filled with bright colored liquids.  

As you continue down the pathways there are cleverly placed long horn sheep made from old machine parts along the boulders and turtles, squirrels and frogs placed among and on the rocks.  These whimsical creations are delightful to observe and I enjoyed the bright colors of some of his works contrasted with the rusty uniform color of others.  Further in the garden among the marshlands are his mermaid sculpture titled: Misty, whose hair is even made of long metal strands and other water animals, such as fish and flamingos.  

The boys particularly delighted in the various dragons such as: Sabretooth Dragon, Hissie Dragon.  These brightly colored dragons pop out among the desert landscape.  

Dave Thompson did not train as an artist but rather worked as a welder who stumbled upon his talent while working on a welding project which required him to curve and manipulate the medium.  He eventually picked up a few scrape pieces to work with and practice and ended up creating his first dragon.  Impressed with the way in which his piece took on a life of its own he began creating more art.  

I loved recycled art- Do you?