Filipino Welder Turns Scrap Metal Into Art

Filipino welder Mario Mallari Jr. takes scrap metals to his workshop in Manila's northern suburb and turns them into unique sculptures.

 

[Mario Mallari Jr., Artist]: 

"They are surprised when they see that the sculptures are made out of scrap metals, spark plugs, door knobs and other discarded materials attached to my pieces.”

 

These sculptures are made from nuts and bolts of old typewriters, automotive parts and other discarded metallic appliances that are cleverly welded together to form his art pieces.

 

He says scrap metals are like puzzle pieces that can be rearranged to form a unique structure.

 

[Mario Mallari Jr., Artist]: 

"The truth is, the idea is not inside me, but inside the metals I work with. These metals dictate the shape of my work and how they are constructed.”

 

Mallari closed his welding shop in 2011 to concentrate on sculpting. He has kept the tools of his trade, using them to make his artworks. He says he's not earning a lot yet, but it's more fulfilling for him.

 

His first motorbike sculpture, which gained popularity when he posted a picture on a social networking site, made him look into scrap metal art as an alternative business.

 

Some of his works include plastics, driftwood and other recycled materials to complement his metal compositions.

 

Mallari has made dozens of animal designs ranging from lizards to elephants, while also doing miniature sculptures of tanks and soldiers, and even a Harley motorbike scrap replica upon request.

 

Recycled art has been growing into a trend in the Philippines.

 

[Kitten Alcantara, Art Circle Owner]:

"A piece of art that an artist created out of materials that are recycled is very much appreciated by the market.”

 

A simple miniature sculpture costs around $35 USD, while prices can go as high as $2,000 USD for larger, more complex pieces.