Brian Marshall is a Wilmington, United States based artist who is passionate about creating sculptures using junk products. His creations will amaze you with their realistic appearance. The materials used in building these sculptures is the essence of his artwork. He produces lamps, chandeliers and  fascinating 'robots' out of the unusual yet awesome materials.

Brian not only gives a new life and home to robots but also contributes to the environment by using the junk materials. His blog 'Adopt-a-bot' is described as 'a place for outcast robots to find new and loving homes.' Now isn't it that intriguing?

Well, let's learn more about his awesome creations by Brian himself in the interview below:

Brian, please introduce yourself to E-junkies.

Hello everyone! Thanks for allowing me to talk about my passion/obsession for building robots from junk!

You own a Robot Orphanage! Well, that's something very unique. How did this idea occur to you?

For as long as I can remember, I have always had a passion for building things. Legos and Lincoln Logs occupied my time as a youngster, but as I grew older and my construction techniques progressed, I sought out new and unusual materials that would allow my imagination to run wild. Then, one lazy afternoon while watching movies I was inspired by an unusual lamp and my artistic career was born. Lamps led to clocks, small tables, chandeliers and my first attempt at robots with my Night Watchmen series. The Night Watchmen had robot heads and a body but no arms or legs. Then came the day when I made my first full-bodied robot sculpture, and I knew I had found my true passion.

Soon, my basement became a place where all the unwanted, used up parts from commercial enterprises and residential homes could now come to find hope. This was when I created the world’s first robot orphanage. These parts refused to give up on life just because they were being discarded. So with a little help from myself, these parts were coming together with new and unusual friends to fulfill their dreams of once again bringing joys to others. Thank you to all those who have adopted robots and to all future adoptees who provide their new loving homes.

Tell us about your artwork. What materials do you use for creating such adorable Robots?

I use a wide variety of parts from household kitchen items, to car parts to industrial gears. I have even started using recycled plastic bottles. I love working with clocks, gumball machines, colanders, drills, vintage box cameras, tea infusers, and much, much, more.

What was your first creation? And do share your experience when you created it.

The first found object sculpture I ever made was a lamp. I went to a local hardware store after seeing a lamp in a movie and bought some parts to make my own. But then I thought about all the times I used to go to garage sales with my mother when I was younger and the vast assortment of materials I could find there. Well, I quickly made the switch to used/vintage materials that were more affordable and eco-friendly. I was teaching middle school science at the time so they made for good examples of reusing materials to help clean up the earth.

Everyone has their favorites! Which creation of yours is closest to your heart?

As my work and tastes are always evolving, my favorite pieces change all the time. Except for a few lamps that I actually use at home, I don't really hold on to pieces for every long.

You find Robots a new home! Is this your love for robots or passion for art?

A little of both. I have always loved technology and how things are put together. Popular Science and Popular Mechanics are still two of my favorite magazines to pick up and read. I also love art. Recently I have gotten a lot more into photographing the robots around town. Finding the perfect place to photograph each robot is almost as fun as the hunt to find new parts.

Is there anyone you look up to? Who do you admire or gain inspiration from?

I take inspiration from many places. I guess a lot of my inspiration is from all the engineers/designers of the original materials I use in my pieces. Without their work, I wouldn't be able to create what I do.

What motivates the artist within you everyday?

The weekend! That is when I hop in my car and start tracking down new parts at garage sales and flea markets. The hunt to find the perfect parts drives me to collect 10 times what I have the time to convert into robots and adopt out (I have a huge collection of parts...)

Other than helping Robots find a new place, what are your other interests? What are your hobbies?

Well, I love my full time job of teaching middle school math and reading (I actually started as a science teacher.) Hobbies - Volleyball, photography, I just took up skiing again after 15 years. Playing with my 9 month old daughter takes up a lot of time now too. :)

What do you think about E-commerce? Is it playing a significant role in encouraging the upcoming artists?

I think it can. I really need to do a better job in that area. I only do 2-3 shows a year - this is strictly a part time business. I have some pieces in a couple of galleries as well, but the internet is the best way to reach the most people. The only problem with online is that potential customers can't actually interact with the work. Photos will never do the work justice. They can't.

Many aspiring artists would draw inspiration from you. Any piece of advice for them or anything that you would like to share with our readers.

Do what you love and if you can make money at it that is just icing on the cake. I swore to myself that I would only keep doing this as long as it remained fun. Now, the day or two before a show I sometimes wonder why I do this, but after I see people stop in their tracks and smile when they walk by the booth it makes everything worthwhile again.

Brian, your creations are adorable. Thanks for talking to us. It has been a pleasure. :)

All the best!

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