Ernie Ruiter, “Scrappy”, Handmade Steampunk Creature Lamp / Assemblage Sculpture A wonderfully imaginative handmade creature lamp by Dutch artist Ernie Ruiter, titled Scrappy. This was his first piece in Steampunk style (in 2010), and it isexemplary of his work: lots of precision, humour, invention and a remarkable sense of construction. Scrappy is a wonderful handcrafted piece, made entirely from old metal parts and found objects, transformed into a creature with his own very specific personality. From the side he has something of a strange alien species, tall, mechanical and slightly alarming. From the front he becomes almost friendly, with two glowing, adjustable eyes and a curious little face. He can also look a bit boss eyed when the eyes are directed differently. The piece is made from a surprising range of repurposed elements: kitchen utensils, medical or hospital-related parts, chains, springs, tubing, teaspoons, old metal tools and even Art Deco forks, visible to the close observer. The feet are particularly charming, made from spoons forks and metal dishes that give Scrappy a planted, creaturely stance. His “eyes” are working lamps and can be dimmed, giving the sculpture a theatrical presence when lit. The construction is extremely well done. Although Scrappy has a lively, almost creature-like complexity, the sculpture is very sturdy and stable. It is not a fragile decorative experiment, but a carefully built and fully functioning artwork. Ernie Ruiter is an independent artist who has sold through galleries, but he is very much his own man. He does not make work to order or follow a fixed commercial formula. He goes his own way, creating pieces according to his own imagination, rhythm and technical curiosity. His work is always meticulously executed, with great precision and attention to detail. Around 15 years ago, Ruiter discovered his love for steampunk: a fantasy style rooted in the age of steam, early industrialisation and the visual world of the Victorian era. He collects all kinds of small mechanical parts, including gears from watches and clocks, hinges, screws and objects in copper, brass and other metals, using them to create original, characterful works. Scrappy is not just a lamp, but a small metal being with a watchful face, directable eyes and a personality of his own. Dimensions: Height: 55 cm / 21.65 in Width: 25 cm / 9.84 in Depth: 25 cm / 9.84 in