Featured Artist Andre Sardone

Artist Andre Sardone writes, “I take things people don’t want and then make things that people don’t need!” His intriguing sculptures are made out of salvaged steel transformed into amazing artwork. Learn more about this artist by visiting his website.

 

 

My artwork is made predominately of salvaged steel from old farms, waste from the local steel fabrication company, car and truck parts, railway components or whatever unique pieces come my way.

 

 

These components have done a lot of hard work in their day and were all destined for the smelter.

 

 

Time and the elements have weathered and rusted the surfaces, and wear marks have developed added character and texture.

 

 

I love that I am in a way preserving some of the history of the area, combining different pieces to repurpose “waste” into art, provoking discussion and memories. Each component has a story to tell.

 

 

As I use these pieces, I wonder about their history. How many hands have worked with or held that piece during its life, and what are their stories? If these pieces of steel could talk, they could reveal so much, from the mine where the iron ore was sourced and the people who work there, to the manufacturers, mechanics, farmers, etc.

 

 

I see evidence of the clever “farm fixes” made to pieces of machinery, acknowledging the resourcefulness of some old bush mechanics and the need to make things work.

 

 

When I was young, I told people who asked that I wanted to do something with my hands when I grew up. With thirty years of experience as a plumber, specializing in metal roofing, I feel I have grown up! I am now using the skills and experience I have acquired to create and explore the possibilities of steel.

 

 

I like the weight of steel, the mass, the strength of it and the fact that it will outlast me, whilst aging gracefully. I feel a sense of contentment and accomplishment as I use it and shape it into organic forms. The drive to understand more about its characteristics is a learning curve that is very exciting.

 

 

I have always been interested in nature and its forms and am particularly drawn to pods, in all their types—seed pods, iPods, Podcasts and community pods or hubs.

 

 

My work is quite varied in style, but a main theme is the off-round shape of the Pod. These have evolved over many years, from 2D to 3D with flat sides, to the current forms.

 

 

I live in a in a mud brick home surrounded by a national park in Bendigo, Victoria, Australia. There are lots of kangaroos, birds and other native wildlife here to keep me company as I work in my studio.

 

 

After an overwhelming response to my recent exhibition, “Steel Evolution,” I am very excited that my dream is alive. I am on my way to “forging” ahead in my journey.

 

Artist Andre Sardone invites you to follow him on Instagram and Facebook.

 

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