Repurposed Utensils Perch and Preen in Matt Wilson’s Metal Bird Sculptures

against an arched wooden frame background, a small metal bird made from repurposed silverware perches

All images © Matt Wilson, shared with permission

Matt Wilson (previously) has transformed found utensils into recycled metal sculptures for the last 15 years. Bending, welding, and mounting segments of cutlery upon one another, spoon bowls evoke plumage and fork prongs resemble sprawling quills. Encompassing the distinctive crown variations of birds’ heads, Wilson utilizes the unique decorative details that adorn handles of silverware. The artist obtains his materials secondhand, emphasizing, “It’s such a sustainable source with a seemingly endless supply. They’re always in stock at thrift stores.”

The Charleston-based artist teams up with his friend Jacob Kent to give a habitat to each avian, mounting them within set frameworks. “The older I get, the more fascinated I am by birds. The more I watch and pay attention to them, the more inspired I get to try different poses,” shares Wilson. Perched against an arched wooden background or resting upon a branch outdoors, each bird settles into an organic, natural surrounding that contrasts its rigid, metal form.

Wilson is always adding to the flock, so follow him on Instagram for updates or visit his website and online shop, Airtight Artworks.

left: against an oval wooden frame background, a metal bird made from repurposed silverware perches. right: against an arched wooden frame background, a metal bird made from repurposed silverware perches

two metal birds are perched upon an angle within a green metal frame

left: against a rectangular wooden frame background, a metal bird made from repurposed silverware perches. right: against an oval wooden frame background, a metal bird made from repurposed silverware perches

a metal bird made from repurposed silverware perches in the trees, a body of water rests in the background

a metal bird made from repurposed silverware perches upon a wooden post next to a lake

left: a metal bird made from repurposed silverware perches upon a branch. right: detail of metal bird feet

a metal dragonfly made from repurposed silverware perches in the trees, a body of water rests in the background

a hand holds a small metal bird made from repurposed silverware

s metal bird pushes as it rides a skateboard

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