GARDEN
ART

Attack Bug is a whimsical, wheeled insect created from recycled bicycle parts and garden tools, designed and fabricated by Ron Simmer. This playful sculpture combines industrial materials with a quirky, insect-like form, giving it both a humorous and dynamic presence. Measuring 4 feet long, 1.5 feet high, and 1.5 feet wide, Attack Bug is a charming example of transforming everyday objects into imaginative art. First exhibited at Place Des Arts in Coquitlam in October 2012 and recently displayed at the Deer Lake Gallery in March 2019, this piece continues to captivate with its inventive spirit.

Dimensions: 4’ (L) x 1.5’ (H) x 1.5’ (W)
Completed: May 15, 2010
Price: $1,600

Big Bird is a vibrant and whimsical sculpture crafted from recycled steel and aluminum, including rebar, conduit, tank parts, and bicycle components. This piece exemplifies my commitment to promoting recycling, transforming discarded materials into bold pop art. With its playful, larger-than-life presence, Big Bird stands at 8 feet tall and weighs approximately 120 lbs, making it a striking addition to any collection. Several versions of Big Bird have been created and sold, each embodying the creative use of waste materials to craft something bright and fun. The largest Big Bird to date is now proudly installed at the San Juan Island Sculpture Park.

Dimensions: 8’ (H)
Price: $2,400

Part of a whimsical series of powder-coated dogs, Yellow Downward Dog is crafted from recycled steel fire extinguisher canisters. This playful sculpture is one of several variations, including standing, peeing, and rocking dogs, that were recently exhibited in Palm Springs, California. The vibrant yellow color adds a cheerful touch to the piece, which blends humor with sustainability. Completed in January 2013, Yellow Downward Dog is sure to bring a smile to any space.

Dimensions: 4’ x 2’ x 3’
Weight: ~40 lbs
Price: $2,800

Inspired by Grant Wood’s iconic American Gothic, this sculpture reimagines the famous couple with a Canadian twist. The female and male figures are constructed from discarded tanks, pipe, tools, and garden implements, with a natural rust patina that enhances their industrial charm. First exhibited at the Granville Island ReVision: The Art of Recycling show in 2014, this work combines historical reference with modern materials, making a bold statement on the theme of rural life.

Dimensions: 6’ x 3’ x 2’
Weight: ~150 lbs
Price: Sold for $1,450

Mr. Happy is a cheerful and welcoming figure crafted from a used fire alarm bell and recycled fire extinguishers, powder-coated for a vibrant finish. With its playful design, Mr. Happy brings a lighthearted touch to any space. The original piece was sold for $850 in 2019, but a custom edition is now available for those who want to bring this joyful sculpture into their own collection.

Price: Custom edition available upon inquiry.

The Kiss features two gas-masked figures poised to kiss, their faces obscured yet intimate in their connection. Created with rubber war surplus gas masks and aluminum conduit, this thought-provoking sculpture takes on added significance in light of the 2020 pandemic, symbolizing both the desire for closeness and the barriers imposed by the world. Originally exhibited in the artist’s garden, The Kiss serves as a poignant commentary on love, separation, and the challenges of our time.

Price: $3,700

These charming Garden Turtles are crafted from recycled stainless steel WWII army helmets, transformed into playful, whimsical creatures. Coated with UV-resistant paint, they are designed to withstand the elements while adding a quirky touch to any garden or outdoor space. Each turtle is a unique piece that blends history with artistry, making it both a conversation starter and a fun addition to your garden décor.

Price: $400

The Horn Fountain is a unique garden feature that combines the elegance of a 3-foot diameter copper bowl with the whimsical touch of a recycled tuba, creating a flowing, musical water display. Powered by a 110V AC water pump, the fountain’s water streams from the horn in a graceful arc, offering both visual and auditory charm. Last exhibited at the Van Dusen Gardens Sculptors Society show in July 2016, this inventive sculpture blends art, sound, and nature in a stunning way.

Price: $4,300

Ski Dog is a playful and dynamic sculpture crafted from used water skis and recycled fire extinguishers, capturing a canine in motion on the slopes. Inspired by the work of Jeff Koons, this piece is part of a larger series that includes various interpretations of dogs, such as peeing dogs, standing dogs, downward dogs, and rocking dogs. Additionally, there are larger versions made from stainless steel fire extinguishers, adding a sleek and modern touch to the collection. Each sculpture blends humor, creativity, and sustainability, making it a whimsical yet striking addition to any collection.

Price: $2,700

Fun Flowers is a playful collection of metal flowers, each crafted with a unique design and vibrant personality. These whimsical sculptures were exhibited at the 2016 Sculptors Society of BC Van Dusen Garden Show in Vancouver, where they added a touch of fun and creativity to the lush garden setting. Made from various metals, these flowers combine industrial craftsmanship with a cheerful, nature-inspired aesthetic, bringing a bit of the garden’s charm into the realm of sculpture.

Bells and Gongs is a series of sculptural instruments created from repurposed materials such as full-size CO2 cylinders, scuba tanks, and discarded fire extinguishers. Each piece is uniquely crafted and finished with a variety of textures—some powder-coated, others painted, or left with a natural rust patina to highlight the beauty of the reclaimed metal. These striking sound sculptures not only serve as art but also resonate with an industrial and earthy tone, adding both visual and auditory depth to any space.

Price: $500-$1,500 (depending on powder coating or rust finish)

This sleek, sculptural dog is crafted from recycled stainless-steel fire extinguishers, transforming industrial materials into a striking representation of a canine. Measuring approximately 6 feet long, 4 feet high, and 2 feet wide, Stainless Steel Dog combines strength and elegance with its clean lines and polished finish. Also featured alongside a stainless steel ski dog at the 2020/21 Castlegar Sculpture Walk, this piece is a testament to creativity and sustainability.

Price: $1,900