Mike Westra

The sculptures I create often utilize repetition of geometric patterns found in scrap steel pieces. I try to find some essence of beauty in this rhythm of pattern. Some pieces are left to weather and taken on a warm natural patina and blend in well with a natural setting. Others are painted with vivid color to give them a voice of their own that says," Look at me". Some sculptures have a constantly moving pendulum to give them rhythm of a different form. This motion can be as sooth ing to the soul as the flicker of a flame or waves lapping ashore.

I also enjoy the challenge of the creative process, making a thing of beauty with elegant form and pattern from a material that is usually associated with strength. Wielding a torch of ele ctric fire has a primal feeling to it, using a three thousand-degree electric flame to weld the steel creation together. My grandfather was a welder by trade to feed his family, I weld for the joy of it and like to think of him guiding my hand.