A WOMBWELL-born sculptor is making plenty of pennies with his unusual creations.
Shaun Gagg, originally from Barnsley Road, Wombwell, but now based in Flamborough, uses pennies, nails and other small metal items to built magnificent sculptures.
Initially Shaun - who started out selling computer hardware on Barnsley Market, and worked at Redfearns before becoming an artist full time - specialised in two-pence pieces.
But he has found success in other materials, such as his project The Sorrows Of Steel, a life-size statue of Jesus Christ created entirely from nails.
It is now on display in a Birmingham church after the parish there purchased it to the tune of £15,000.
His work, which is managed by Turner Fine Arts, has sold all over the globe.
He cites Salvador Dali as an inspiration. The work of Barbara Hepworth, which he could visit at Yorkshire Sculpture Park, showed him a world beyond the slate material he initially got his start in.
In particular, the work of sculptor Andy Goldsworthy led Shaun to the shallows of reservoirs in the Peak District where he would spend time balancing large rocks with just milimetres of contact between each one.
It was his initial work in slate which would lead him to picking up his welding torch.
After problems with his leg due to the strain of carrying such heavy loads, he decided to create an external metal calliper to support it.
Since then, Shaun hasn’t looked back and now works exclusively in welded creations.
Manager Stephen Turner said: “Shaun still goes over the top and makes everything as big as possible, because after all, he’s a Yorkshireman and so value for money is everything - even in art.”
Shaun has most recently created a bull and a bulldog for private clients.
Stephen added: “Shaun is also making a Pebble Pool sculpture which will feature outside the reception of an engineering company in Birmingham and we also look forward to seeing a life size mermaid commissioned by a private client. This will be made from nails, coins and chains.”
See turnerfinearts.com/artist/shaun-gagg for more information.
