From scrap to sculpture: This Ivins artist transforms ‘junk’ into creatures, cacti and more

Written by Jessi Bang
May 29, 2024

IVINS — From oxygen tank bells to fork eyelashes, this artist is turning everyday trash into treasure.

Lance Ludlow stands next to one of his metal sculptures on display outside Gallery 873, Ivins, Utah, May 22, 2024 | Photo by Jessi Bang, St. George News
Lance Ludlow stands next to one of his metal sculptures on display outside Gallery 873, Ivins, Utah, May 22, 2024 | Photo by Jessi Bang, St. George News

“A lot of my work is made out of what others consider junk,” Lance Ludlow said, sitting outside Gallery 873. “Others consider it recycled.”

Ludlow’s metal artwork can be seen throughout the Kayenta gallery’s courtyard. One of his pieces, dubbed “The Flower Girl” (originally called the “Lawn Mower Girl”), has become a fixture at the Kayenta Art Festival. He said eager patrons have even arrived early to secure their purchase before the event begins.

The body of this particular flower girl is crafted from a lawn mower reel, her arms are fashioned from pipe, her skirt is an upside-down wok and her eyelashes? They’re crafted from forks, adding a touch of personality. To complete the look, she’s clutching a bouquet of flowers.

“The thing I enjoy the most about it is creating,” Ludlow said. “The money to me, that’s the last thing on my mind. It’s creating and doing it and watching the person that gets it and how happy they are. That’s what I enjoy.”

Lance Ludlow creates a Joshua Tree out of metal, location and date not specified | Photo courtesy of Gallery 873.com
Lance Ludlow creates a Joshua tree out of metal, location and date not specified | Photo courtesy of Gallery 873.com, St. George News

After receiving a commission for a metal ocotillo plant, the community’s response was overwhelmingly positive. As word spread, he crafted over 600, ranging from 30 inches to a towering 10 feet — his tallest creation to date.

Captivated by the allure of Joshua trees and aware of the limited availability of metal replicas in the U.S., he was determined to create his own. His first creation stood at over 8 feet high, and he used a piece of a real Joshua tree as a reference to create the perfect color.

He’s ventured into a rainbow of colors, even painting his agave plants in what he calls “aqua.” To nail that shade, he took a piece of cactus to the paint store, and they matched it perfectly.

The craziest thing he’s ever made? A metal owl he crafted from scratch, requiring him to design, cut and meticulously bend each piece into shape.

But when it comes to his favorite thing to make, he said bells and referred to them as quirky characters, each with its own personality and often infused with glass. 

“This one is from an oxygen tank,” he said, pointing to a bell in the courtyard. “Each of the bells I make tells a story.”

He also loves crafting warrior shamans; some have rock bodies, and others are made entirely of metal.

Background

A metal worker since high school, Ludlow went on to work in the steel industry. He also ran a farm on the side, where his welding skills were frequently put to use.

“I’ve always been intrigued about, ya know, if I see something I wanted, I’d rather build it than buy it,” he said.

Lance Ludlow's "Flower Girl" is on display outside Gallery 873 in Kayenta, Ivins, Utah, May 22, 2024 | Photo by Jessi Bang, St. George News
Lance Ludlow’s “Flower Girl” is on display outside Gallery 873 in Kayenta, Ivins, Utah, May 22, 2024 | Photo by Jessi Bang, St. George News

While he had dabbled in crafting various metal items, he said he never imagined he would create the art he does today. In fact, it wasn’t until retirement that he began exploring the artistic dimensions of metalwork. It was then that he relocated from Spanish Fork to Southern Utah and established his own home metal shop.

Initially focused on crafting small items, he soon became intrigued by metal agave plants. He started by giving them a rusty finish but soon taught himself to use a metal stain — a complex process that he finishes with a clear coat to preserve the patina.

“Throughout the years I’ve just kept experimenting with different things,” he said. “I’ve pushed myself to get better at it. I never originally did them to market or sell them; I just liked the looks of them.”

A bell by Lance Ludlow is created out of an old oxygen tank, Ivins, Utah, May 22, 2024 | Photo by Jessi Bang, St. George News
A bell by Lance Ludlow is created out of an old oxygen tank, Ivins, Utah, May 22, 2024 | Photo by Jessi Bang, St. George News

Six years ago, he walked into Gallery 873 in Kayenta and that changed everything. As he struck up a conversation with owner Cherie Stoddard, he noticed the gallery lacked outdoor metal art. He brought in a few of his pieces, which he said she immediately loved. He’s been showcasing his work there ever since.

“And now, I work more hours now than when I worked,” he said, laughing. “And I’m not complaining, either. I just enjoy doing it.”

When asked about his source of scrap metal, Ludlow said he frequents recycling yards and relies on the generosity of individuals who gift him items they think he could repurpose.

View Ludlow’s work at Gallery 873 inside the Kayenta Art Village. Contact him directly at [email protected] or call 435-660-1633. 

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Copyright St. George News, SaintGeorgeUtah.com LLC, 2024, all rights reserved.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jessi Bang was born and raised in Utah and has a passion for nature and the great outdoors. She graduated from Kaplan University in California with a degree in criminal justice. She has extensive experience in marketing, content creation, photography and copywriting. You can find her showcasing outdoor adventures through her blog, “The Rambling Raccoon.” In her free time, she enjoys climbing mountains, trail running, working out and cuddling her two lovable pups.

Email: [email protected]
Twitter: @STGnews

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