Rising Stars: Meet Brian Mock

Today we’d like to introduce you to Brian Mock.

Hi Brian, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
As an amateur woodworker, selling mostly birdhouses and wine boxes, I bought a welder on a bit of a whim to expand my craft.

It turned out that I enjoyed the metalwork more than the woodwork, and I haven’t looked back since.

I realized people really resonated with the salvaged aesthetic, and a few years later what started as a late-night hobby in my garage, turned into a full-time sculpting career.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
There were some challenges in the beginning. Transitioning from having a 9-to-5 job with a guaranteed paycheck to becoming a self-employed artist hoping to make sales took some getting used to.

Early on, I spent every weekend selling my work at the Portland Saturday Market, and every weekday sculpting for as many hours as possible. I rarely had any downtime, let alone a day off, and it took me a few years to learn the right work/life balance.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I specialize in metal sculpting using reclaimed materials. For over 20 years, I’ve worked to create my own style and to really focus on capturing human and animal emotion in my pieces.

What makes you happy?
My wife, my kids, and my dog are what make me the happiest. But a close second is sorting through a new pile of scraps and discarded material. It always feels a bit like a treasure hunt.

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: www.brianmock.com
• Instagram: @brianmockart
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brianmockart