Mother

Welded steel

Joe Powers

Growing up I spent the majority of my free time outdoors, primarily in the mountains of Washington and Idaho. Consequently that is where I am most comfortable and draw my biggest inspiration.
I started drawing and carving wood as a child and in 1975 learned to weld as a means of paying the bills. In the early 1990's all paths met, resulting in a new found passion for everything. Since that time I've been creating three dimensional sculptures in carbon and stainless steel, copper, brass and aluminum.
My work started mainly as animals, birds, and fish, but has grown from structural, functional, and decorative sculpture to human and mythological figures. Lately I've been working on pieces that deal with the subject of social consciousness particularly of man and nature and the responsibilities we all share. My desire is that people who view my work will take away a greater feeling of connection with the natural world and a sense of hope for the future.