10bestlogo

  • 10bestlogo

  • Awards
  • Arts & Culture
  • Food & Drink
  • Trip Planning
  • City Guides
  • Home

SEARCH: by place + food, budget, style, hotel, attraction, etc

SEARCH
10BEST: Trusted Travel & Lifestyle Advice
Tampa:
Overview

overview

See & Do

see & do

Eat

eat

Party

party

Stay

stay

Shop

shop

Regions

regions

Cruise

cruise

 
  • facebook share
  • twitter share
  • google plus share
  • pinterest share
  • stumble upon share
  • linkedin share
  • Flipboard
graphic

Most Popular 10Best Lists

  • #
    Las Vegas: 10 Fun and Free Things to do in Las Vegas
    View This List
  • #
    Las Vegas: 10 Fun and Free Things to do in Las Vegas
    View This List
  • #
    London: London's Best Brunch Spots
    View This List
  • #
    Dallas: The Ultimate Dallas Bucket List For Family Fun
    View This List
  • #
    Amsterdam: 10 Best Breakfast Joints to Start the Day Right in Amsterdam
    View This List
graphic

Most Popular 10Best Articles

  • #
    Road Trip: 10 Must-See Spots Along the Oregon Coast
    View This Article
  • #
    Where to eat each state's most iconic dish
    View This Article
  • #
    Where to eat each state's most iconic dish
    View This Article
  • #
    These are the best signature sandwiches in all 50 states (and DC)
    View This Slideshow
  • #
    These are some of the best free things to do in 10 American cities
    View This Article
 
10bestlogo
facebook twitter instagram pinterest
  • About 10BEST
  • 10BEST Local Experts
  • Sitemap
SHOW MORE INFORMATION
  • Tampa
Save This Page +

Tampa's Rustic Steel Creations Transforms Junk into Art

Discover one-of-a-kind metal sculptures, custom railings and more by Tampa welding artist Dominique Martinez

May 16, 2014 // By Skye Rodgers

By Skye Rodgers
Tampa Local Expert May 16, 2014

 

Tampa is home to many artists, and opportunities to explore the city’s creative side are everywhere. From trendy galleries in SoHo to eclectic co-ops in Ybor City, Tampa is full of unique local art pieces for viewing and purchasing.

One such unique opportunity is a gallery/workshop called Rustic Steel Creations. It’s located a little off the beaten path, but still just 15 minutes from downtown. You can’t miss the location; it’s painted bright purple and features an eclectic family of oversized metal creations that change over time, as items are moved and sold. Huge dogs, fire-breathing dragons, giant robots . . .

Check out this Rustic Steel creation on Tampa's Riverwalk — Photo courtesy of Skye Rodgers

Visiting this one-of-a-kind artist’s space is worth the effort, especially if you’re into metal and iron sculpture. At the back of the building is where the magic happens, and it’s fascinating to watch. You might run into founder and welding artist Dominique Martinez. He likes to show people his workshop and talk about the inspiration behind his creations.

Most of his sculptures consist of a collage of found objects, and studying his pieces you’ll find all kinds of leftover metal bits, from castors to motherboards. He hates to throw anything out and favors reusing old metal that can tell a story and preserve history. One of his current projects includes designing a sculpture reusing old gears taken from Tampa’s historic Platt Street drawbridge.

You can also find Martinez’s pieces as you tour around town. Two sculptures features adorable metal dogs can be seen at the bike rack in front of the new Ulele Restaurant on the Riverwalk. Many of his sculptures showcase a sense of humor and whimsy. Other fun examples include a Bud Light Lombardi trophy and a football player made out of pieces of an old grill and rusty car parts.

Martinez also has a reflective side, however, and in 2011 was commissioned to create a very special 9/11 memorial. This memorial is now installed at the Tampa Firefighters Museum and Steinbrenner Field. This project had special significance to the artist, as he is a previous resident of New York City.

Other public installations may not be as obvious, as Martinez is the talent behind many of Tampa’s most beautiful wrought iron railings and decorative metal gates. He and his staff of experienced welders create custom designs that are functional as well as beautiful. You can check out the trendy Oxford Exchange for an example of his exquisite railings.

x

Next Up

Tampa's Singing Stone Gallery Features Dazzling Jewels, Contemporary Art

Read More »


About Skye Rodgers

Skye loved the funky fish sculpture on Tampa's Riverwalk, which served as inspiration for this article.

Read more about Skye Rodgers here.

Connect with Skye via: Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Google+ | Pinterest


Share

Facebook
Twitter
Google Plus
Pinterest
StumbleUpon
LinkedIn
Flipboard
×

×