From scrap to metal treasure

Local artist Scott Montgomery is hopeful of turning a lifelong passion for scrap metal into a full-time profession from his small garage.

The Leopold resident specialises in creating detailed scrap metal creations from discarded materials including bike chains, Allen keys, flat pack furniture packs, spanners, horseshoes and saw blades.

His catalogue of works features fish and sea creature structures, flying birds, electric guitars and wine barrel tables.

Montgomery, a metalworker by passion, starts his pieces with a chalk drawing on his shed floor and then lets his imagination run wild, allowing him to put a unique spin on each of his pieces.

A qualified mechanic by trade, his love for metals and bringing things back to life started at a very young age.

“I was always very interested in the times gone by and have always been fascinated by antiques and their history, vintage cars and old tools and machinery,” he said.

“So many of these items when you study them or hold them in your hand, feel like they have a story to tell.

“Much of the inspiration for the art pieces come from the materials you are using, old spanners, tools and miscellaneous scrap.

“To upcycle these items and give them another life when they were destined for landfill is a great reward.

“Some of these items have been around for over 100 years and when you think about the history, who owned them, what purpose they served, its deserving they get another life in the metal sculpture.

“I think this is what draws people to the art.”

Montgomery has recently begun completing a range of commissioned works that has helped produce his favourite piece to date: an abstract barramundi scrap art masterpiece.

“My favourite piece so far is the ‘Big Barramundi’ which I made for a very close fisherman mate of mine as a 40th birthday gift.

“I also enjoy the challenge presented in doing commissioned pieces, it adds some enjoyable pressure to reach the expectations of the recipient.

“Being able to incorporate items like “Grandads” spanners into a piece and create a lasting memory for the family is fantastic.

“I hope I can continue to improve with every piece and for the future some bigger items such as a full-scale horse, which seems to be the measuring stick in the scrap metal art world.”

Montgomery hopes to open a public arts space to showcase his works in the coming future.

“To have a gallery one day would be a dream but in saying that I am enjoying connecting with business and the community to talk and display my art.

“People have been so very supportive, providing donations of old tools and metal and business owners offering space to display my art.

“So, thanks to everyone out there for the support.”

For scrap metal art enquiries, or for more information on Scott Montgomery, head to “Scott Montgomery Sculptures” on Facebook.

Montgomery has also booked a stall at the Anglesea Indoor Market and will have his works available for purchase.