Metal artist Ptolemy Elrington creates natural forms from found materials. His materials include shopping carts, car bumpers and hubcaps, and assorted scrap metal. He calls his creations Hubcap Creatures.
All the the metal parts are either donated or found, usually on the side of the road, and therefore bear the scars of their previous lives in the form of scratches and abrasions. He believes these marks add texture and history to the creatures they decorate.
“I was brought up in a thrifty environment and it stuck. I hate waste and litter. Carelessness drives me nuts. So my work is acting as a reminder that maybe something that’s come to the end of it’s original life may have more potential.”
-Interview with Ptolemy Elrington in Motor1 magazine
Interestingly, when working with automotive scrap, Elrington tries not to work the metal pieces with heat or power tools because he is concerned about the toxins they will release into the environment. Instead, he focuses on a more practical approach, doing all he can with hand tools before turning to the occasional drill or soldering iron.
You can see more of Ptolemy Elrington’s amazing work on his website and on Instagram.
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April 8, 2019 at 8:29 am
Anyone who can do this is a true artist.
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April 8, 2019 at 3:41 pm
It really is amazing stuff.
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April 8, 2019 at 8:47 am
OK, that was a must, I followed him on instagram.
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April 8, 2019 at 9:00 am
He’s a super cool guy!
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April 8, 2019 at 4:55 pm
Wow! These are amazing. The ethos behind the method of creation is great but they are also just so aesthetically pleasing. I am especially charmed by the seahorse. My kids would love the shark.
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April 8, 2019 at 5:05 pm
I loved them all, but I think the kingfisher was my fave!
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April 13, 2019 at 6:22 am
And cars will be made art.
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April 13, 2019 at 8:30 pm
So much better than them being trash!
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