An Artistic Gift ... … and what scrap metal has got to do with it
In 2002, IBAK succeeded in accomplishing an epoch-making advance for the sewer inspection industry with the PANORAMO technology. The PANORAMO system, which today is still unique world-wide, has now stood model for Brian Mock, an artist who creates astounding sculptures from 100% recycled materials.
During the dealer meeting in Kiel, Rex Robison, CEO of RapidView, his wife Kris, CFO, and Matt Sutton, Vice President Sales & Marketing, presented Dr. Hunger with an exceptional gift: a PANORAMO sculpture made of scrap metal. The work of art, a fascinating sight, was created by the American metal sculptor Brian Mock. The welding virtuoso transforms hundreds of discarded metal objects such as nails, screws, hinges or forks into life-size dogs, lions and even faithful replicas of Gibson E-guitars. His works have been purchased by several luxury hotels and countless international art collectors and are on show in galleries in New York, San Francisco and Maui.
We have spoken to Brian about his art and his work on the PANORAMO sculpture:
Brian, why scrap metal? What fascinates you about this unusual raw material for creating your works of art?
I am intrigued by the challenge of creating an entirely unique piece of art from a random collection of discarded and often commonplace objects. Giving these old, ordinary items a new life as one sculpture is an artistically demanding, yet gratifying, process.
How long have you been working on the sculpture?
The PANORAMO sculpture took me approximately 16 weeks to complete.
Where did you find the materials used? A part looks as if it were once a hook, which is used in practical use in the sewer sector to drain the robot into the sewer pipe...
All of the parts used to create this sculpture were either salvaged from my collection of reclaimed/recycled materials, or custom fabricated by me. I studied images of the PANORAMO and chose specific pieces I wanted to hand replicate, like the hook.
What did you use to make the wheels?
The wheels were assembled from old, individual brake discs from power winch equipment.
Is the sculpture completely hollow inside?
The inside of the sculpture has some framework, with sections that are mostly hollow.
How is the creative process? What did you start with? What were the final works?
The process for this specific project was pretty straightforward as I was essentially aiming to closely replicate the PANORAMO. To initiate the framework, I started with sketches and measurements. From there, I collected and fabricated pieces to add on, fitting, placing, and sculpting as I went. In the last stages, I rounded out the sculpture and grinded its surface for a smooth finish. I had a lot of fun with the unique and interesting request from RapidView.
What did you use as a template for creating the sculpture?
Rex Robison from RapidView provided me with some excellent images and diagrams of the PANORAMO, which were the sole references for my work.
Do you know what the PANORAMO is used for?
Yes, I researched it as soon as we received the inquiry from RapidView since I had no idea what a "pipeline robot" was supposed to look like! Rex also included some background information with the images he sent over. It's really a cool mechanical invention, a work of art in its own right!
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