It’s a Bird, It’s a Plane, It’s...Furniture?

That’s right. Recycling has reached new heights with MotoArt’s designer furniture and sculptures, all made with recycled airplane parts. Air travel is, unfortunately, one of the highest greenhouse gas emitting actions one comes across in daily life. The idea that something from an airplane can be sustainable, therefore, is in some ways really revolutionary. Whether looking for a showstopper for the office, bedroom, or as a gift, these incredible pieces are a stylish and interesting way to show off your eco-consciousness. Why Planes? The origins of MotoArt are in 1950s and the commercialization of air-travel. As a young boy in this era, Donovan Fell III, one of MotoArt’s founding artists, was mesmerized by airplanes. As he grew up, he became a builder and a sculptor when, in 1998, he happened upon a collection of airplane parts en route to becoming scrap metal. He realized that he could not let this obsession from the past be melted down, so he purchased several hundred pounds of old planes. This is how the objects made by MotoArt came to be. While their tagline is “Own a Piece of Aviation History,” their message also promotes sustainability and creativity in a very unlikely way. Office MotoArt has created some of the most interesting pieces you will ever see. With their combination of aerodynamics, strong materials, and practical uses, MotoArt’s designs juxtapose the mechanical with the comfort and luxury needed in everyday life. Their office pieces include this fascinating credenza made from the aileron and damper valve of two different aircrafts. The damper valve and aileron, which are the flaps located on the wings, are two of the most utilitarian parts of the flying mechanism. This piece also uses aluminum laminate, wood cabinetry, and polished glass to make a functional and attractive credenza. Another office gem is the Aileron Conference Table. This incredible table is made of two ailerons while the legs are made of bamboo and recycled aluminum frames. This chic table is a great way to both green a conference room and make a bold style statement. Home If your household is one with pets, perhaps a fishbowl built into an old MK-84 bomb is the piece for you. This Aqua Bomb is certainly a conversation starter and an innovative way to think of a former weapon of war. If a more conventional piece is what you seek, the L1011 Spinner Table, made from the spinner of a jet has a beautiful look. It’s hard to believe this table is made from pieces of propellers as the MotoArtists have created something extremely chic and functional. This table is even self-illuminated from the bottom to assist the user and to really show off the innovation. From the Sky to You While started by only two men, MotoArt is now an international business with locations in California, Maryland, Italy, Jordan, and Hong Kong. They have showrooms in most of these locations and are happy to ship to you from their nearest store. Their unique pieces are a part of the history of aviation, a creative continuation to the story of recycling, and a functional way to really make a statement. With MotoArt, " airplane sustainability" is no longer an oxymoron. Image Credits: MotoArt

RoboSteel: Transforming Scrap Metal into Amazing Works of Art

We’ve seen recycled works of art before, but RoboSteel, located in Ireland, is creating some of the most amazing recycled art ever. After having connected with RoboSteel on Twitter, I went to check out their masterpieces and was absolutely amazed. RoboSteel uses recycled metal (mostly steel) to create a variety of sculptures, both small and enormous. Even better, clients can order custom pieces to be created – and all the sculptures are one of a kind! RoboSteel’s Materials: All of the sculptures are created using steel pieces that were once parts of motorcycles, airplanes and cars. There are smaller amounts of copper and ceramic sometimes used to create the desired effect. The sculptures are lacquered to help ensure durability, although they’re not recommended for placement outside. It’s also important to note that these sculptures are not toys, so they shouldn’t be purchased for children. However, if you know someone who loves movie memorabilia, sci-fi and fantasy sculptures, these may just be the coolest gifts ever re-created! Sculptures: RoboSteel has created a variety of pieces, both small and large. If you’re searching for a great gift, consider the individual you’re purchasing for and his or her unique personality. Provide them with their very own sculpture of Elvis, the Terminator or even Darth Vader! Below are some of the coolest sculptures available at RoboSteel.

This is a tiny RoboSteel frog, singing away in metallic form!

Check out Darth Vader – “dark, foreboding and ruthless” for sure!

This is an adorable version of the trash-collecting robot, Wall-E!

Possibly the Most Impressive RoboSteel Sculpture: In what is possibly the most impressive RoboSteel sculpture ever commissioned, the talented and amazing designers came together to create a sculpture of transformer Optimus Prime, which is actually 8ft tall! The team used a massive pile of old scrap metal to create this masterpiece for a client – to be given away as a prize. That’s some impressive metal work, and an impressive bit of recycling that RoboSteel should be quite proud of! All Photos are Courtesy of and Copyrighted by www.RoboSteel.com

Eco-Art Lends Sustainable Style with Recycled Metal

Scrap metal and discarded industrial waste take on creative new forms when artist Tim Pace gets his hands on them.  Pace's Eco-Art brings new life to ordinary junk - and the results are stunning to say the least!

About the Artist

Tim Pace began his career in 'found art' in 1995 - designing a unique 3-foot tall golfer as a garden sculpture gift from excess metal scraps.  Originally an electrician, Pace has no formal training in art but has created recycled masterpieces full-time for more than 10 years now.  Each piece is handcrafted, welded from a variety of rescued metals, and every item is one-of-a-kind.  Pace is based in Tennessee and showcases his Eco-Art at showings across the southeast.  

About the Art

Starting as unique garden sculptures, Eco-Art now ranges from small pieces designed for tabletop use to larger statues and everything in between.  The materials used to create these astonishing pieces are just as varied, including worn-out play sets, trampoline frames and springs, farm and garden equipment, car parts, and even forgotten cutlery. 

The primary goal of Eco-Art is to create something unique and stylish, while still holding the form of the original materials.  Notice the shovel heads and garden clippers in the Birds pictured above and the creative use of springs in this one of a kind wine rack.  Pace's collection also includes business card and candle holders, benches, and an array of animal sculptures.

Buying Eco-Art for Your Home

Tim Pace's recycled creations can be purchased at several gift shops in Tennessee and Mississippi, as well as regional art and craft shows throughout the south.  Works are also available directly through Pace's studio in Finger, TN or you can contact the Eco-artist through his website for more information.

Images via EcoArt by Tim