Upcycle Progress: Industrial Rust Artwork

Discovering Inspirational Materials for Upcycling Rusted Industrial Elements into Abstract Art

Getting started with this project of upcycling rusted industrial materials into abstract art has been an engaging and continually evolving experience. What began as an experimental foray into the world of sustainability and creativity has turned into an ongoing search for unique, inspiring materials that spark new ideas and shift my ideas on aesthetics.

Finding the right materials has become an essential part of the process. So far, I have spent time in a scrapyard and visited an old mineral processing plant, I’m on a treasure hunt for some cohesive – or nicely contrasting – to create an interesting piece. It’s not just about collecting any rusty metal or discarded machinery; it’s about discovering something with a story and potential that speaks to me, and all the better if it comes from ordinary origins. The beauty of upcycling lies in the idea of taking something once deemed useless and giving it new life, and the first step in that process is finding materials that might be diamonds in literal rust.

Industrial materials are often overlooked for their raw beauty. A rusted bolt, a worn-down gear, or an oxidized sheet of metal might seem like trash to most, but these objects could be pieces of a sculpture or wall hanging in waiting. The texture, patina, and wear-and-tear that time has imparted on them are exactly what I look for when sourcing materials. There’s something special about the way the surface treatment interacts with raw metal underneath, especially in different form factors, creating rich contrasts in color and texture. I also really appreciate simply immense pieces of used equipment, especially those in symmetrical or odd shapes.

I often find that old factory parts or salvaged tools evoke a sense of industrial history, and I think it would be intriguing to turn this into a more modern aesthetic, translating harsh or angular geometry into interesting curves.

I wish I were at a point where I had made more progress toward actual selection and assembly or experimented with different forms. However, I think that will come by starting with good stock, and assembly after some decisions are made should be a relatively simple process.

Ultimately, the search for inspiration and materials is not just about finding something “good” to work with, but finding interesting objects that could be compelling when put together. When I work with these upcycled industrial elements, I feel as if I’m collaborating with history, and the end result is a visual narrative that is as much about the journey of the materials as it is about the finished artwork.

Sources:

All photos taken by myself.

Writing assistance: Chat GPT