John Brown is a sculptor who lives in rural West Wales, UK. His metal sculptures include birds, insects as well as other wildlife he encounters near his home. They are welded from salvaged materials like nails and bicycle chains. And yet, they look as delicate and intricate as the butterflies, birds, and insects they’re modeled on.

John says the native wildlife of his home in Wales provides him with constant inspiration and, for example, he thinks the welded butterflies represents metamorphosis. “I like to think that the buyers are people seeking an emblem of beauty transcending endless consumption,” Brown wrote. The butterflies are meticulously painted and shaped in the likeness of specific species, such as the Holly Blue and Red Admiral butterflies.

Kingfisher
The stunning and realistic Kingfisher is the result of oil paint applied artistically.

Magpie
This magpie is captured mid-drink.

Grasshoppers
These 3 inch grasshoppers are ready to go.

Praying mantis
This praying mantis is stunning in its intricacy.

Praying mantis2
Praying Mantis

Native butterflies
It’s hard to believe these stunning butterflies are made from scrap metal.

Adder
The Adder is on the brink of extinction in parts of Britain, Brown says.

Two holly blue butterflies
Two Holly Blue Butterflies

hornet
This hornet is made from old car panels, old tools, and bike parts.

An Emperor Dragonfly
An Emperor Dragonfly

Crow
Crows never looked so good.

Frogs
We wonder if these little fellas croak.

Pheasant
A Plucky Pheasant

Graze
This stainless steel masterpiece is called “Graze”.

bike
Bike