The abstract figurine consists of two main sections both joined together by a pair of arms. The top section depicts the thinking man’s head, chest and shoulders whilst the lower section is comprised of his crossed legs. It’s very Eastern in theme and style and this is no wonder for the human sculpture is made on the Indonesian island of Bali, now most famous as being an attractive international tourist destination. Skilled artisans in this region of south-east Asia have long been making works of art and sculpture from the natural materials found in the forests of this part of the world.

The day dreaming figurine is made from Suar wood which is a type of hardwood native to a rainforest tree in South America. In the last century, the tree species was spread across the tropical regions of the world and is now found in Indonesia as well. Suar wood is a very eco-friendly wood for it is fast growing and easily replaceable. Its popularity as a material for sculpture can be found in the fact that the wood varies dramatically in color from the centre of the tree to the outer rings. Its interlocking grain also makes it a strong wood and less liable to crack in drier regions of the world such as North America.

The thinking man wooden figurine has been individually hand-carved and will thus be a unique piece. It will look lovely in just about any room in the home and will certainly sit well in an Asian or Buddhist themed interior.

You can buy the figurine from here: Wooden Statue of a Man Deep in Thought.

Dimensions: 12 inches high, 9 inches wide.

I must admit, I’m not familiar with all of Alberto Giacometti’s work and if someone had said this was a reproduction of one of his pieces, I would have believed them. This metal human figure sculpture is very similar in style to that of the famous Swiss sculptor and painter. Just like Giacometti’s stick people sculptures, this metal human figure is a study of human nature and a composition of a part of ourselves we would each recognise.

It’s interesting to note, that the French philosopher Jean-Paul Sartre once said of Giacometti’s figure sculptures, that they were symbols of existential despair. Perhaps this was formed from the Swiss artist’s experiences of Cold War anxiety. Yet with this sculpture I am showcasing today, I see more of a stoic figure that stands proud and with a discernible bodily expression of childlike wonder. Unlike the existentialist angst that coursed through the works of Giacometti, this metal human figure sculpture is looking to a new beginning, a world of possibilities.

If you’re looking for a figurative metal sculpture in a similar style to the stick people of Giacometti but with a more positive gait, this elegant human figure sculpture will be ideal. Placed in front of a window, on a side table or beside a traditional brick fireplace, the human figure sculpture will catch the eye and provide a talking point as well as a catalyst to philosophical pondering.

Price: $200

Take for instance this scrap metal sculpture of a speedway racer called the ‘Speedway Slider’. The action and character seen in this sculpture is immediately apparent and is an inspired by Corbett’s love for motors and speed.

James Corbett’s work has been sold to people across the world and his sculptural pieces made from junk car parts can now be found in nations such as Switzerland, New Zealand and the United Arab Emirates, as well as in the United States. Most of his work is life-like in nature but he also has a range of abstract pieces which appear to document his travels and even satire of politics.

The car parts that Corbett uses range from the very new to the very old. Some scrap pieces are over 80 years old and merge well with more modern versions of technology to form an even more interesting sculptural piece. The original integrity of each car part is kept and it’s rare if ever that any pieces are bent or reshaped.

The majority of Corbett’s work is available to buy, such as this rather stunning ‘Walking Miss Daisy’ car part sculpture showing a woman walking a dog. Spark plugs mark up much of her body whilst other car parts provide the basis for the rest of the metal sculpture. His work has been shown on television and also put on display in galleries worldwide. You can see a whole gallery of his pieces here: James Corbett Car Part Sculptor.

(All images belong to James Corbett)

The inspiration for Oliveira’s work comes from his own student days in the Brazilian city of São Paulo. There, whilst gazing out of the window, he would notice the painted plywood fence begin to fade and peel in the sun. This led to him creating 3-dimensional sculptural forms which mimicked the patterns, colors and shapes he had seen. In fact, when the very fences in question were taken down, he used the wood as part of his final senior show. The results would inspire further his art and also put the name Henrique Oliveira onto the world stage.

Nowadays, the Brazilian designer finds most of his materials from scrapyards and dumpsters in São Paulo. With these he develops forms largely based on techniques and principles used in architecture, painting and sculpture. A PVC skeleton is used as the framework of most pieces which is then covered with scrap wood and other found materials. The majority of the wood he chooses is either already splitting or in some form of decay.

One of his most well known pieces, at least in the United States, is the collection of mattresses and pillows from the Katrina disaster, which have been turned into a giant sculpture. See image directly above.

You can see many more images like the ones shown here on the designer’s website found here: Henrique Oliveira.

Characters abound with joyful exuberance. This is what I see when looking upon these small figures. One can almost hear the music they dance to, perhaps the tango or a classical ballet piece. Each one has its own unique bodily expression which compliments the next. For anyone who loves to dance or to watch dancers on television or at a concert hall, then these decorative dancing figurines will make the most perfect of gifts.

These figures will fit into numerous positions in the home environment. They are in a way, unassuming, meaning that their forms will fit in with a wide variety of stages, from a crowded bookshelf or mantel through to an isolated and empty table or windowsill. I can imagine they would be particularly apt positioned in a home studio or library where creativity is encouraged and let loose.

You can purchase these dancing ornaments from here: 3 Decorative Dancing Figurines.

Price: $50

In the picture below there is shown the steel wire stix stax floor sculpture. Rising to a height of 72 inches, this modern looking art piece is reminiscent of the popular ‘pick-up stix’ game, hence the name. This physical, mental and often nerve-racking game, also known as ‘pick-a-stick’ and ‘spellicans’ was one of my favorites as a child. It involves removing individual sticks from a pile with disturbing the remaining ones.

The origins of the game are vast. In many cultures from Indian to Korean, stick games have been popular for many, many centuries. This particular variant seems to have come to the United States in the early part of the 20th Century from Hungarian immigrants.

This hand painted steel wire sculpture would make an exciting addition to a living room, loft bedroom or home study. In fact, any room which needs some dynamic vibes. Abstract art and sculpture will create a very modern feel to an environment which can be contrasted with existing traditional elements.

If you loved playing ‘Pick Up Stix’ as a child, and still do, then this will bring back some happy memories for you and your children.

You can find a larger image and further details, as well as pricing, here: Stix Stax Floor Sculpture