Sundays in My City: Recycled Spirits of Iron

On our recent trip to Washington State, my kids and I drove past an eye-catching sight and decided to turn around and go back to check it out. Fortunately, what appeared to be personal property was actually open to the public!

Dan Klennert is one of the most creative people I've ever met. For the past 40 years or so, he's been inspired by the potential of everyday, castoff objects, using them to breathe life into completely new creations. This horse, for example, has a mane made from part of an old street sweeper. I can't begin to imagine what all of the other parts were made of, but it was incredibly impressive. [click images to enlarge]

There are iron sculptures all over Dan's property. 

Each one is unique and thought-provoking.

I can't get over how creative Dan is. See the tractor-seat guitar on this one? 

He even has a couple of "R-Rated" sculptures that made us laugh out loud.

(Sorry; this is a Rated PG-13 blog, so you'll have to visit Dan's place to satisfy your curiosity!haha)

While not a sculpture, this truck has a lot of character.

I never thought I'd use the word "charming" to describe an outhouse, but there's a first time for everything; this two-holer is "award-winning," according to Dan.

Kendall and I actually used it; it was interesting and amusing.

I so admire Dan's ability to envision brilliant uses for cast-off objects. Just look at this:

Who sees a tractor seat and thinks, "Hey! That would make a great guitar!"?

Who sees a piece of driftwood and decides that it's the back leg of a moose?

Dan does.

I have no clue what these pieces are from, but I took this photo in case someone else does.

Even this fence screams art and beauty, doesn't it?

I wish I had need for a fence like that; I'm inspired.

One of the coolest aspects of visiting this roadside gem 

was the fact that the artist was available to talk about his work!

 Dan even gave us a little tour of his studio, which includes works in progress!

Check out this llama, a work in progress, all made from pieces of driftwood!

Inside the belly of this fish is a smaller fish that Dan said represents his daughter.

Every single one of Dan's sculptures means a lot to him. 

Walking around the property, seeing the sculptures and reading some of his writings, it's easy to see that he is a special human being, sensitive, kind, a deep thinker. 

He also has a great sense of humor. 

We really enjoyed our time at Recycled Spirits of Iron and feel fortunate to have stumbled upon it.

You can, too; Recyled Spirits of Iron is located on State Route 706, 

just east of Elbe, Washington.

Sundays in My City is a weekly photo meme hosted by the lovely Unknown Mami.