Straight from the Container

We saw the signs along California Avenue: “Metal Art Sale Today!” Part of me feared silhouettes of country gents peeing on trees and painted fat ladies showing their bloomers as they bent over to garden. Part of me hoped for better — and that part was rewarded! Jeff Bowman, who calls his welded metal sculptures Spark-Art, designs from home and sells all year, but opens his yard to visitors once each spring for his big sale. His pieces were wonderfully modern and very affordable. “My designs are built upon a playful expression that enhances the evolution of design and the versatility of metal as a medium,” he says in an artist statement that doubles as a business card. If you’re interested in purchasing — pieces range from $15 up to the low 200s — contact him at (206) 935-6887. (The horns sculpture at the top of this post is attached to his garage and, lamentably, it’s not for sale. I know — I tried.)

Part of the appeal of Bowman’s sculptures, aside from their modern aesthetic, is the fact that they’re meant to rust. No upkeep involved.

Dave was nuts for this trellis, but again, it wasn’t for sale; this was part of Bowman’s own garden.

A aculpture sale — with some feet for scale.

We pretty much wanted every sculpture we saw, but it was the end of the day and we’d just spent $100 on rugs. We made plans to come back another day when we were a bit more flush. On the way out, however, I asked on a whim how much this crown was — only $20! So we took this one home with us. Due to the sharp points, Bowman joked that this one came with a free tetanus shot and a blood transfusion. Ha — we loved him. (And then we placed the pointy, rusty crown flush against our house when we got home — far out of tripping-and-falling-onto-stabby-points range.)

P.S. Looks like the winners were announced. Saw that glitter sign; cute! I’ll get up earlier next year.