Artist Statement

Calling all unloved old tools and rusty metal. Your new life awaits standing tall as a creature or machine welded and shaped by the one they call Howling Metal. A scrap metal artist. Spanners, engine components, wrenches, pliers and anything else you would find in an undiscovered toolbox. Your time is here!
My name is Joe Howling “Howling Metal” and I started my journey in April 2024. I originally gave myself the challenge of learning to MIG weld in my garage which I have never laid a finger on before. Ever since I picked up a welder, I had my “hallelujah” moment. I absolutely love it! The reality of it is that you are effectively painting with liquid metal whilst the electric arc of 3,000 to 20,000 °C dances over the surface of the piece you are working on before solidifying in around a second into a solid mass of strength. Every sculpture starts with a spark in the mind of “oh that looks like a…” then the real sparks can get flying.
I like when people say “oh a crocodile” because to them that what it is in your mind, a real crocodile. But as you get closer, the details of what each component is an extra level of complexity of “oh that’s a spark plug and that’s a spanner”. It’s a sum of parts to create something which is alive in your mind as people are incredible at recognising patterns and shapes.
I have felt incredibly supported by friends, family and other artists who have a wealth of experience and at no end are willing to share information and help me learn and progress. So thank you all, I hope to see you at the exhibition. Best form of contact is through Instagram.