Forging a New Path: Enrique and the Art of Sustainable Metal Sculptures
Meet Enrique, the newest ambassador for Art For Our Parks. A self-taught metal artist, he transforms discarded car, motorcycle, and industrial parts into breathtaking sculptures. His work reminds us that art doesn’t have to fit in a box — it can be anything, made from anything, and still inspire. Follow Enrique’s journey as he fuses sustainability, creativity, and craftsmanship.
From Air Conditioning to Art
Before creating metal art, Enrique spent 38 years in the air conditioning industry. In 2019, a playful idea — making a coat rack from car parts — sparked his creative journey.
“…I was looking for a coat and hat rack for my office. After visiting a few vintage stores, I told my wife, ‘I could make one out of car parts.’ We both laughed, but I went home and actually made it. When I brought it to my office, my clients loved it.”
Six months later, he crafted small WWII airplane sculptures for his sons. Then, a heartfelt metal heart for his wife became the origin of Del Angel Garage: Metal Art, launching his self-taught artistic career.
“I wrote her a letter explaining each piece, for example, how the spark plug symbolized the spark she brings to my life. She shared the heart and letter on social media, and that moment became the beginning of Del Angel Garage: Metal Art.”
Inspiration & Sustainability
“Sustainability is at the core of everything I create… My art is a reminder that transformation is possible, not just for materials, but for people, too.”
Enrique grew up fixing broken toys, unknowingly preparing for his current practice. Today, he repurposes discarded metal to create sculptures that inspire reflection on both resilience and the environment. Each piece tells a story of transformation — a second life for discarded materials.
“My parents used to tell me that when I was little, my toys never lasted long. We didn’t have the best toys, but when they broke, I would take the pieces and make something new out of them. Looking back, I think what I do now with metal art is that same creativity that had been waiting all along to resurface.
I’ve always been mechanically inclined, and that part of me has finally found its place through art. As an adult, I owned different cars for different activities—and over time, that meant a garage full of leftover car parts. That’s really how my metal art began: turning discarded parts, and in a way, discarded dreams, into something new and full of life.”
Creative Process
Ideas often simmer for months before being touched by weld and torch. Enrique curates materials — fuel tanks, gears, chains, bicycle parts — and lets the sculpture emerge organically. Every weld and curve honors the craftsmanship of the original material, blending industrial past with artistic present.
“Even though I’ve only been making art for a little over two years, I sometimes worry I’ve reached the end of my creativity, until something sparks it again. It might be a childhood memory, a movie, a conversation, or even a moment in current events. But if I look deeper, what truly inspires me is the human spirit, the emotions and connections that stay with us. The moments that make us laugh, cry, or feel something deeply are what drive me to create my next piece.”
Featured Works
Forged Echo of the Gulf
Born from the bones of machines and the soul of the sea, this graceful whale glides in stillness — its body a vintage fuel tank, its tail spun from timeworn gears. A tribute to the Gulf’s wild beauty and resilience. Poetic, powerful, and purposefully repurposed. Currently showcased at The Art Lounge.
Dimensions: 40" x 23" x 22" | Year: 2025
Hippokampus: Sea Racer
Crafted from real race car gears, sprockets, and timing chains, “Sea Racer” is where the ocean meets the open road. Mounted on a brake rotor base, it fuses marine grace with the raw power of performance parts.
Dimensions: 24" x 14" x 66" | Year: 2025
The Beast
Forged from steel, bicycle parts, gears, and chains, “The Beast” deer stands tall, combining mechanical precision with raw power. Its antlers and posture symbolize ambition and focus, while a hook in the core represents timing and tenacity.
Year: 2025
The Great Blue Heron
This graceful bird merges reclaimed gears and steel with nature, creating a one-of-a-kind statement piece perfect for homes, offices, or gardens.
Dimensions: 18" x 9" x 38" | Year: 2025
The Violin
“The Violin” is a symphony of steel and soul. Salvaged gears, sprockets, chains, and precision-cut steel recreate the violin’s shape with mechanical elegance, evoking a silent but vivid musical soundscape.
Shepard of Fire
Forged from discarded gears, chains, bearings, and steel, this metal guitar blazes with energy. A tribute to passion, rebellion, and creation, it commands attention wherever it’s displayed.
Dimensions: L 33", W 12", H 41" | Year: 2025
Accomplishments & Recognition
Enrique’s “No Bucks Given” won the People’s Choice Award just six months into his artistic journey — a feat he repeated twice. His sculptures have since been exhibited in museums, galleries, and markets across Texas and internationally in 18 countries. Each piece demonstrates how sustainable creativity can inspire audiences worldwide.
No Bucks Given
As humanity and Mother Nature danced through industrialization, this deer sculpture symbolizes resilience: humans gave no bucks about pollution, Mother Nature gave no bucks either, creating life regardless. Made from reclaimed metals from iron, oil, and automotive industries.
Year: 2025
“One moment that really stood out was when I visited the Harlingen Arts and Heritage Museum. I was walking through the exhibits when it suddenly hit me, ‘Hey, I make art!’ I laughed to myself, but by the end of the visit, I got the wild idea to ask what it would take to exhibit there. The staff member smiled and said, ‘Let’s ask the director.’”
Advice for Artists
“Using reclaimed materials is a win-win: you keep trash out of landfills and turn discarded items into something meaningful. It’s a way to make art that’s creative, responsible, and full of life.
Everyone’s creative journey is different, but the best way to start is simple: just take the first step. If you want to draw, pick up a pencil, pen, or crayon and draw. If you want to paint, start painting. If you want to make sculptures, start building.
Find inspiration wherever you can, social media groups, YouTube, Pinterest, or other artists. When fellow metal artists ask for advice, I tell them to check out my work if they want, copy it, and practice, it’s all part of learning. Everyone develops their own style, so don’t worry about being copied. The key is just to start.”
Looking Ahead
Enrique is part of upcoming exhibits, including Spatial at The Art Lounge (Nov 15–Jan 2026) and ongoing displays at RTown Gallery located in Grapevine, Texas. His pieces have found homes in 18 states as well as internationally: England, Italy, Germany, south of France, Australia, and Uruguay. As an Art for Our Parks ambassador, he shows that creativity, sustainability, and inspiration can coexist — and that art can come from anything.
Follow Enrique to see how discarded metal transforms into art and discover how sustainability and imagination can guide your own creative path.
Get Involved: Inspired by Enrique’s journey? You can make a difference too. Share your own sustainable artwork by submitting your art or join our ambassador program to connect with other artists and conservation initiatives. Every creative action helps support parks, wildlife, and a more sustainable world.
