Mike Thompson
Mike Thompson | Metal | Devon
Mike has spent the last 30 years working in a corporate environment, but a recent relocation to Exmouth with his family, is allowing him to follow his passion - creating sculptures using old hand tools.
His technique involves spot welding the metal pieces together, keeping the form as anatomically accurate as the material affords, whilst trying to keep the tools in their original form.
He also tries to showcase the tool’s origins - highlighting any cast makers’ marks or place of manufacture, as well as using their bolts, nuts and handles, incorporating as much of the original tool as possible.
Once complete, the sculpture is moved outside to allow the elements to encourage a rust patina, that is then sealed and finished with a natural and pigmented wax highlighting the tools features.
Mike’s pieces can be displayed inside or outside, where the natural wax coating eventually weathers, creating an ever changing red-brown patina.
Mike particularly enjoys the challenge of creating commissions using some tools supplied by the client, be that their own or once cherished by someone dear, thereby giving the finished sculpture a sentimental, as well as aesthetic value.