An interview with the artist who recycles hubcaps into beautiful creatures

Hubcap Creatures is a one man company run by Ptolemy Erlington. Ptolemy creatures sculptures of natural forms from recycled materials. We caught up with him to find out a little more about his art and the artist himself.

How did you get into art?

I was lucky in that I come from a creative background. My father was an actor and theatre director and my mother is a painter. They never drove me in this direction but they did insist that I do something rather than sitting on my backside as teenagers are wont to do.

I ended up an artist by default as I tried quite a few other things and realised that my choices were made by what I didn't want to do.

What do you love about it?

There's many answers to this question but the main ones are it's a lot of fun; I have a strong craving to be creative in some way; it means I avoid a day job and I also feel a strong need to try to help our beleaguered planet in any way I can.

How long have you been using re-cycled materials in your work?

For most of my creative life.

I really like the impetus that materials with a previous life give to the creative process. Trying to shape them into something out of their previous boundaries, or finding within them something inherently different to lend a particular character or texture is a fascinating process.

What inspires you about discarded materials, and why do you choose to use them?

I'm inspired by the shapes and qualities found within the materials I come across and motivated by a desire to encourage recycling, reusing and ultimately redesigning products with an aim for second and even third hand uses.

Your company name is ‘Hubcap Creatures’, are car parts the most common material you use?

I was working predominantly with hubcaps when I formed the company and the peculiar name appealed to me. Although I use many different materials in my work I still make a lot of hubcap sculptures so the name is relevant. I also use other car parts but it's more a case of using what comes along or is required by a client than focussing on any specific material.

What is the appeal of hubcaps?

I prefer the hubcaps above other materials because of their nature, not just in aesthetic terms but also in physical terms. It's a lot more peaceful and reflective working with the plastics, using basic hand tools and a battery drill is considerably quieter and less physical than cutting and welding metal.

What sculpture are you most proud of and why?

Often it's a relatively recent one that is a current favourite, but overall it's the ones that take a great deal of reworking and head scratching that provide the best results as far as I'm concerned.

'I'm a big advocate of not cutting corners and not accepting anything that 'will do' but instead being sure that a facet looks exactly right before proceeding.

How long on average does it take to make one of your sculptures?

It can be anything between two days and three months. On average it takes a working week.

Lots of your sculptures take the shape of fish – why?

I like fish. I started with them because the shapes within the hubcaps reminded me of aquatic features but as I've improved my skills and diversified my subject matter I still get drawn back to marine life because it has so much character.

Do you have anything you would like to add?

I get a lot of compliments in regards to my work, and many people express their belief that I have some kind of special skill. I want to say that anybody can produce this kind of work if they apply themselves. All it takes is perseverance and a healthy desire.

Creating art is incredibly good for the soul and I think that everyone, be they artistic, musical or fans of craft should exercise their creative muscle. It's fun, it doesn't need to be expensive and although the renumeration may not be fiscal, it's something that you can't buy.