Artist Statement – Burnin’n’Lootin

I work with metal that has been left behind—forgotten pieces scattered in nature and urban spaces. These materials, once useful, are now abandoned, their purpose lost. Through fire and force, I reshape them, giving them new life as art. The name Burnin’n’Lootin reflects this process: burnin represents the heat and energy of blacksmithing, while lootin speaks to the act of taking what has been discarded, even when no one claims ownership.

Every piece I create carries the marks of its past—rust, dents, and wear—telling a story of use and neglect. Instead of seeing these as flaws, I embrace them, letting the history of the material become part of the final work. By cutting, bending, and welding, I add value to what was once overlooked, proving that these cast-off materials still hold worth.

My work is about reimagining. It challenges the way we see waste and asks us to reconsider what we throw away. Through Burnin’n’Lootin, I turn what was abandoned into something meaningful, giving new purpose to what was once left behind.