Who Am I?
In about 1973 I wanted something new for my G.I. Joe. My grandfather found the store bought plastic
version unsatisfactory so we sat down next to an oak stump with a hammer and a piece of sheet metal.
Together we built a snowmobile that was the envy of all of my friends. That was my introduction to
forming sheet metal as a ten year old boy. Through the years and up until my grandfathers passing, we
spent much time messing with sheet metal for a variety of things. He had been trained in sheet metal
work during World War II working at Columbia Aircraft. He never saw the artistic potential in this medium
and I am sorry to say that he didn't live to see what I have done with what he taught me.
As I grew older my sheet metal projects were mostly related to old car restoration projects and
customizing motorcycles. While those are certainly enjoyable pastimes they have grown to be very
expensive hobbies in recent years.
For a long time I have created pieces for family gifts and Christmas presents. I have sketched ideas for
years that I wanted to create someday. Not for gifts or anyone in particular, but driven only by my own
mind and inspirations.
That someday has finally come. It has only been since December of 2007 that I have finally taken to
sculpting almost everyday. Almost on a daily basis I find ideas in the world around me that I have to
sculpt. I keep a sketch pad with me 24 hours a day so that even ideas that come to me in my sleep can
be sketched for use in the shop. My favorite work is always the one I am working on! My wife Julie helps
with the business side of things as well as packing, pitching, carrying, and organizing. Visit often to see
my new favorite piece!
Paul Breck 6-5-2008
version unsatisfactory so we sat down next to an oak stump with a hammer and a piece of sheet metal.
Together we built a snowmobile that was the envy of all of my friends. That was my introduction to
forming sheet metal as a ten year old boy. Through the years and up until my grandfathers passing, we
spent much time messing with sheet metal for a variety of things. He had been trained in sheet metal
work during World War II working at Columbia Aircraft. He never saw the artistic potential in this medium
and I am sorry to say that he didn't live to see what I have done with what he taught me.
As I grew older my sheet metal projects were mostly related to old car restoration projects and
customizing motorcycles. While those are certainly enjoyable pastimes they have grown to be very
expensive hobbies in recent years.
For a long time I have created pieces for family gifts and Christmas presents. I have sketched ideas for
years that I wanted to create someday. Not for gifts or anyone in particular, but driven only by my own
mind and inspirations.
That someday has finally come. It has only been since December of 2007 that I have finally taken to
sculpting almost everyday. Almost on a daily basis I find ideas in the world around me that I have to
sculpt. I keep a sketch pad with me 24 hours a day so that even ideas that come to me in my sleep can
be sketched for use in the shop. My favorite work is always the one I am working on! My wife Julie helps
with the business side of things as well as packing, pitching, carrying, and organizing. Visit often to see
my new favorite piece!
Paul Breck 6-5-2008
Here are the cut pieces of a Manta
Ray, a Turtle Shell, and a Whale Tail
waiting to be brought to life. Notice
the pile of cardboard patterns to the
left.
Ray, a Turtle Shell, and a Whale Tail
waiting to be brought to life. Notice
the pile of cardboard patterns to the
left.
From copies of my sketch I decide
what and how many pieces I will
need to create the finished piece. I
then make patterns for the pieces I
will need to cut out.
what and how many pieces I will
need to create the finished piece. I
then make patterns for the pieces I
will need to cut out.
Here you can see how the metal really begins to transform. Each piece is
hammered into shape individually and then fit together. All muscles, facial
details, and the motion of the piece are created in this step. It takes
planning and patience to end up with a nice result.
hammered into shape individually and then fit together. All muscles, facial
details, and the motion of the piece are created in this step. It takes
planning and patience to end up with a nice result.
Hopefully when it gets to this point it was well thought out and it comes together as planned.
This Owl is actually comprised of 23 separately designed, cut, shaped, hammered, fit, welded
and finished pieces to create the whole. See the Gallery for progress of him.
This Owl is actually comprised of 23 separately designed, cut, shaped, hammered, fit, welded
and finished pieces to create the whole. See the Gallery for progress of him.
It always starts with a sketch. I draw
the sketch in full scale just the way I
want it to look.
the sketch in full scale just the way I
want it to look.
A Little About the Process.
:: Imaginary Metal Art - About the Art and the Artist ::
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:: Bringing Metal Sculpture into the Third Dimension::
Life from Lifeless Metal: Artists Statement.
As an artist I am attracted to scenes of action. Captured moments of drama that leave you wanting to
see what happens next. My goal is to evoke an emotional response from my audience. To create
narratives that will continue to reveal details the longer you look. I try to be true to my subject matter in
that my works lean more towards the natural world than the abstract. In addition I try also to be true to my
medium as well. By using heat and natural coloring and oxidation along with minimal added colors I try
to add beauty and detail but still allow the metal to shine. I want to bring sheet metal art into the fine art
category. I hope you enjoy what I have created.
Paul Breck
see what happens next. My goal is to evoke an emotional response from my audience. To create
narratives that will continue to reveal details the longer you look. I try to be true to my subject matter in
that my works lean more towards the natural world than the abstract. In addition I try also to be true to my
medium as well. By using heat and natural coloring and oxidation along with minimal added colors I try
to add beauty and detail but still allow the metal to shine. I want to bring sheet metal art into the fine art
category. I hope you enjoy what I have created.
Paul Breck
All of my base mounted sculptures receive a heavy felt base pad to prevent any surfaces from
being scratched. All natural stone bases are sealed with clear lacquer to preserve their
beauty and enhance their natural colors.
being scratched. All natural stone bases are sealed with clear lacquer to preserve their
beauty and enhance their natural colors.
Special Thanks. To my wife Julie for keeping track of show dates and deadlines and also for loading
and unloading the truck at every show. To my friend Tracie who is my unofficial photographer and muse.
And to daughter Arynne who is always willing to pitch in as needed. I thank you all for being my biggest
fans.
and unloading the truck at every show. To my friend Tracie who is my unofficial photographer and muse.
And to daughter Arynne who is always willing to pitch in as needed. I thank you all for being my biggest
fans.