Following a career in curbside recycling and composting, Rick Hartner began to take recycling to a higher level by creating sculpture from discarded materials. The results were not just assemblages of society's trash, but rather the creation of caricatures and objects that draw in the viewer and evoke a smile or outright laughter.

Rusted sheet metal became a phoenix rising from the fire. Old metal shelving emerged as Aunt Alice and Poopsie make a surprise visit. A well used trumpet came silently alive being played by the Jazz Man. Positive response to his work from the public was almost immediate in the form of sculpture sales and commissions. Aunt Alice promptly received recognition at the 2000 Del Mar Fair Art Show by receiving an Honorable Mention from the Judges and the Peoples' Choice Award from viewers

Rick's found object metal birds are one of a kind and come in different colors and positions. The smaller birds are about 6-7 inches tall and retail for $19.00 plus shipping. The larger birds are about 9 inches tall and retail for $45.00 plus shipping. Great for fence posts, yards, tress or sitting in a nest! Start your collection now!