Where Precision Meets Art: Bastian Metal Creations

Derek brings his welding expertise from Microtech to create stunning metal sculptures in his free time.  His intricately detailed wildlife pieces, now featured in Fort Wayne Museum of Art's Paradigm Gallery, transform everyday cutlery into elegant art.

From his workshop in Huntertown, Indiana, Derek hunts for stainless steel silverware in local thrift stores, giving discarded pieces new life.  His technical skill and artistic vision come together in each piece – from graceful birds to detailed spiders.

"Those items served a purpose, had a place at the family dinner table.  Until they didn't," Derek writes in his blog.  "I pick them up, take them home and put some magic into them.  Welding gives them life and a renewed sense of purpose."

At Microtech Welding, precision craftsmanship takes many forms.  Derek's ability to transform everyday objects into gallery-worthy art pieces demonstrates how technical skill can evolve in unexpected and beautiful ways.

You can read more about Derek's work on his website Bastian Metal Creations.