Michael Sofoulis has been a metal sculptor for over thirty years. A self taught artist, he lives in Beverley in the Western Australian Wheatbelt. A true believer of “less is more”, his sculptures are uncomplicated, allowing for individual enjoyment and interpretation.

Using found metal objects from the early mining and agricultural industries from the Goldfields as his inspiration, Michael then weaves a story into each piece. Mild steel is his medium of choice as it harmonises with existing materials and in natural or man-made environments. He likes to continually push the boundaries of how mild steel can be used and presented.

Michael is comfortable using both modern (MIG welder, oxy-acetylene torch and grinders) or traditional (charcoal forge) methods. Each of his sculptures are “one of a kind”, challenging him to find the right balance of shape and form.

Photography of the remote places he visits is another of his passions. As “spider52”, he has fifteen hundred photos on Panaramio and Google Earth. Michael’s goal is to photograph as many of the old mining centres as possible before they disappear without trace.

His art is the physical representation of his life’s journey. He can see the connection between his personal and spiritual experiences linking with his thirty six years of professional work in the metal trades. Michael’s sculptures are a culmination of all his skills, coupled with the emotional exhilaration of discovering the metal objects that are the heart of his artwork.