GP's Got Talent: Shelby Kirkland

Shelby Kirkland does more with car parts than just fix them as a mechanic for the city; he welds them into beautiful pieces of art.

Kirkland, named after the legendary Shelby Cobra, is inspired by his father, who was always working on cars, to continue the tradition of loving everything mechanical.

He began welding in a metal shop

class in high school, and learned to fabricate from Bobby Spurgin while working for the water department. During this time, Kirkland discovered a love for melting metal together with electricity.

Kirkland reuses metal objects, engine parts, old tools, farm equipment and other items to create his pieces.

“Most of the time, I see a piece of metal or trash and can envision that piece being a cool center section of a lamp, or a cool conversation piece and build around that,” Kirkland said. “Everything I make is made from recycled metal parts that I think are neat.”

In addition, Kirkland incorporates movement into all of his art pieces.

“I love to make things that serve a function and will actually be used,” Kirkland said. “It intrigues people and brings them the same enjoyment as I have creating them.”

Some of his recent pieces were featured in the Plastic Free Plan- It Gala in November, and were on display at Uptown Theater, including a “Light in Motion” lamp made out of motorcycle license plates, Miller wire, Kohler crank shaft v-twin, SCK tools, 350 fly wheels, and electrical conduit.

Kirkland also makes custom pieces.

You can see and purchase his pieces by following him on Instagram @sckdesigns89 or by emailing him at sckdesign89@gmail.com