InPARTicular - automotive
art
 You
know the old saying one person's junk is another's
treasure - this is making beauty from spare parts
We talk to artist Steven Shaver
about his unique work...
I am based in San Jose, CA. It all started with
a trip to an automotive wrecking yard. I
stumbled upon some auto parts with amazing
design. I didn't know their automotive functions
but I could envision their artistic purpose. A
giant flywheel gear, inparticular, looked like
something cosmic, with its moon-shaped holes and
radiating gear teeth. I took a trunk load of
parts home and created some clocks, lamps and
tables from the parts.
After testing my "auto part art" furnishings
some art festivals, auto shows and a television
charity auction I decided to start a company and
market a product line under the inPARTicular ART
label. I relied on new parts for the main
product line and continued to create
one-of-a-kind pieces from rare salvaged parts.
Each finished product is signed and numbered by
me.
I also expanded my business to include parts
from other everyday places and things such as
computers, buildings, kitchens and radios. This
lead to creating custom lobby furnishings and
employee gifts for some high tech companies made
from their actual company parts. Most recently,
I made a trip to a growing auto themed
restaurant chain in the mid west for the
opportunity to develop and create custom
lighting and furniture made from auto and
motorcycle parts for their future restaurants.
 I
am inspired by the everyday parts and objects
from our everyday places that were designed to
carry out a particular purpose but go unnoticed
for their design. Each part has a story to tell.
Its like a treasure hunt for me. I look for
parts with an interesting and unique design that
catches my eye. I admire the engineering and
precision that goes into the design of parts. I
utilize unique, salvaged parts as much as I can
find them. I am doing something good for the
environment by giving these parts "a new life
with a new function." I enjoy the process of
taking the parts and seeing what my hands can
make with them. I take pride in creating the
best quality artwork and creating something new
that nobody else has ever seen.
The best satisfaction for me is the delight that
my artwork gives to my customers. It reflects
their personal interests and style. Some are
automotive enthusiasts and others just
appreciate unique art. If it's a gift for
someone, I imagine how happy they feel when they
open the box .
My favorite product is my auto crankshaft desk
lamp. It's a true treasure. I have a source for
broken VW crankshafts. It starts out covered in
grease. I meticulously clean and sand it and
have the crankshaft professionally nickel-plated
for a brilliant finish. I fit the crankshaft
with a nickel-plated sprocket base, then weave
the black lamp cord through the holes of the
crankshaft, attach the light socket and top it
off with a black lamp shade. (Its not as easy as
I make it sound!)
Over the next 10 years the mission for my
business is to continue creating the best
functional, art from automotive parts and other
"theme" parts. I would like to include
motorcycle parts and race car parts. I will
continue offering a specific collection and
one-of-a-kind art from salvaged parts. But my
focus will be on individual projects to create
custom clocks, lamps and other furnishings made
from specific parts or materials for individual
customers, companies, restaurants and hotels.
I'd like to expand my business to include
employees and other partnerships, while staying
real to my art.
Steven Shaver
inPARTicular
www.inparticular.com
1-877-467-2781
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