One of the many things I love about this blog is the reader suggestions I get in my e-mail. This great candle holder (and many like it) come to me from Yessy Art Gallery … apparently the art of recycling tin cans into light holders is a dying art, and so this spotlight will hopefully help to keep it going a bit longer. Head on over to the gallery to see the wide variety of light holders available!
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Have you read?
Barefooted Welder: Turning Scrap into Sculptural Statements
Today, in honor of ANZAC Day, we’re shining a spotlight on a truly unique Australian artist — The Barefooted Welder, aka Michael Dudley. Based in North Queensland, Michael is known for his raw, imaginative sculptures made entirely from scrap metal. His work is bold, unapologetically rustic, and deeply rooted in both environmental and emotional storytelling.
What makes his work so compelling isn’t just the way he repurposes over seven tonnes of steel, copper, and aluminum — it’s the intention behind each piece. Michael doesn’t just weld metal; he breathes new life into forgotten fragments. From massive animals to symbolic figures, his sculptures are a mash-up of chaos and beauty, and they demand attention.
One piece that especially caught our eye (and hearts) this week is his striking metal poppy wreath, a tribute for ANZAC Day. The wreath, made from rusted salvaged metal and sculpted entirely by hand, is a stunning and deeply moving symbol of remembrance. It captures the essence of sacrifice and memory, but through a sustainable lens that makes you think twice about what we throw away.
Michael has a way of breaking the rules with his art — he even describes his process as “messy,” which we think is the perfect kind of energy when working with unpredictable materials. He creates without blueprints, often barefoot, guided more by instinct than plan — which somehow makes his pieces feel even more alive.
Whether it’s his life-size Bengal tiger sculpture created to raise awareness of endangered species or a delicate flower made of rusty washers, the Barefooted Welder is a reminder that art can be powerful, messy, meaningful, and sustainable all at once.
So, on this ANZAC Day, we celebrate artists like Michael who use their creativity to honor the past while also protecting the future — one sculpture at a time.
Those are great…love them. Enjoy your blog…
I WOULD LOVE TO SEE THE LIGHT FIXTURES AT “YESSY” BUT ITS NOT A VALID WEBSITE!
ON “YESSY” LIGHTS. NOT A VALID SITE!
Amazing idea!! Looking forward to some more interesting ideas from you.
I would really really like to have these kind of candle holders as part of the table decorations at my wedding. Can you tell me where besides Yessy Art Gallery that I might be able to purchase such an item? thank you
Great work on candle holder. It’s looking simply great. I like it.
Thanks for posting this blog.ihis blog explains how we may make candle holders.i like this candle holders.
how do you make these? I have tried and can’t seem to figure it out.