Artist Statement From Derk Klein,
My Introduction to metal was at seven. My father and grandfather were ship builders and I held the same position for 12 years of my life. For the past eighteen years I have had the privilege to live my life in the surrounding s of mother nature’s beauty. Living in north Idaho has given me endless inspirations for my floral and animal creations.In the last three years I have been creating floral art made out of discarded painted metal that use to serve some other purpose, such as appliances, cars, and old school buses.My art work is made out of 14 to 11 gauge steel. I use a plasma torch to cut out my designs. Afterwards, I grind and brush the metal clean. Ball ping hammers and plyers pound shape and give texture to the designs. I use a welder to connect pieces the together. Once my work is welded together I am able to add color to the metal by a way of transferring copper and brass metals to the piece. By this method of plating it adds more character and dimension to my sculptural designs.