Work samples

  • CLAWED.jpg
    CLAWED.jpg
    CLAWED repurposed kitchen utensils: martini shakers, metal ice cream dishes, steak platters, cake decorating tips, brillo pads, copper tubing & sheets H-37" W-26" D-14" (wall mount or freestanding)
  • YEAR OF THE MONKEY: 2016.jpg
    YEAR OF THE MONKEY: 2016.jpg
    YEAR OF THE MONKEY: 2016 repurposed kitchen utensils, forks, spoons, ice cream scoopers, metal bowl, gravy boat. Size: H - 11" W - 10" D - 10"
  • GEAR HEAD.jpg
    GEAR HEAD.jpg
    GEAR HEAD repurposed automotive and clock gears, wrenches, screws, drill bits, headlight bulb, copper, transmission shifting valves, resin H-14"W-9" D-9"
  • SOUPENTINE.jpg
    SOUPENTINE.jpg
    SOUPENTINE repurposed silver and stainless steel spoons, fork, grinder auger, steel rod H-20"W-16" D-20"

About Jim

While earning his electrical engineering degree from Purdue University, JIM OPASIK worked as an assistant chef. The culinary experience has contributed to the inspiration and use of materials in his current work.

JIM OPASIK's fascination with the animal world is reflected in the content and form of his art. He is rewarded by the smiles, laughter and appreciation from the viewers when they recognize the repurposed kitchen objects that went into creation of the sculptures.
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Animals

Before beginning the construction of the sculpture, JIM OPASIK researches each animal. His interest in the animal world is reflected in the form and content of his art.

Repurposed kitchen utensils are the domestic objects he uses to create his series of whimsical figurative sculpture. The assortment of implements used in every household for preparing meals is transformed so the viewer can experience them in a different way. Food for the eye, one might say. Opasik collects used kitchen and metallic objects from flea markets, thrift stores, sidewalk sales and donations from friends. Welding and riveting the repurposed utensils and metals are the primary means of joining the artwork.
  • CLAWED
    CLAWED
    CLAWED repurposed kitchen utensils, golf club shafts, stake platters, copper wire
  • RARE, PLEASE
    RARE, PLEASE
    RARE, PLEASE Repurposed kitchen utensils, cheese graters, pans, spoons, juicer parts, serving platters H-45" W-34" D-15"
  • PIGHEADED
    PIGHEADED
    PIGHEADED Repurposed kitchen utensils, teakettle, flower pot, cocktail shaker tip, sugar bowls, melon scoopers, candy dishes, brass, silver platter H-18" W-13" D-9"
  • GIRAFFE
    GIRAFFE
    GIRAFE repurposed kitchen utensils, steel, wire, forks, drawer pulls, candy dishes, grinder filters, gravy boats, platters, glass doorknobs, lids, kettle parts, copper sheets H-70" W-24" D-27"
  • PAN-A-PHANT
    PAN-A-PHANT
    PAN-A-PHANT repurposed kitchen utensils,pans, roasting pan, serving platters, alcohol lamp parts,pastry bags H-36" W-33" D-22"
  • SILVER
    SILVER
    SrILVER repurposed kitchen utensils, silverware, martini shaker, spoons, forks, ice cream scooper parts, candy dishes, metal strips H-18" W-15" D-8"
  • SHEEPISH
    SHEEPISH
    SHEEPISH repurposed kitchen utensils,metals, candy dishes, strainers, forks H-17" W-16" D-12"
  • WOKING SLOW
    WOKING SLOW
    WOKING SLOW repurposed kitchen utensils, metals, woks, spoons, cutlery, copper H-15" W-45" D-24"
  • INNOCUOUS
    INNOCUOUS
    INNOCUOUS repurposed kitchen utensils, metals, steamer parts, candy dishes, steel wire H-22" W-23" D-24"
  • RAMBO-LITE
    RAMBO-LITE
    RAMBO-LITE repurposed kitchen utensils, metals, copper, brass, beer keg, bowling ball, strainers, soap dish, gravy boat, candy dishes, spoons H-52" W-72" D-36"

Insects

JIM OPASIK's Insects are sculptures based on imaginary and realistic bugs. He researches each insect before he begins construction.

Repurposed kitchen utensils are the domestic objects he uses to create his series of whimsical figurative sculpture. The assortment of implements used in every household for preparing meals is transformed so the viewer can experience them in a different way. Food for the eye, one might say. Opasik collects used kitchen and metallic objects from flea markets, thrift stores, sidewalk sales and donations from friends. Welding and riveting the repurposed utensils and metals are the primary means of joining the artwork.
  • Ant-Tic
    Ant-Tic
    Repurposed kitchen utensils, metals, cream pitcher, bowls, funnel, golf club shafts, fondue forks, scoopers H-10" W-21" D-26
  • Boogey Bug
    Boogey Bug
    Repurposed kitchen utensils, metals, chafing dish, sugar bowl, funnel, musical instrument parts, brass lamp parts, scalloped candy dishes H-10" W-21" D-16"
  • Dyno-Mite
    Dyno-Mite
    Repurposed kitchen utensils, metals, chafing dish parts, brass, sugar bowl, brass lamp parts H-10" W-23" D-17"
  • House Flies
    House Flies
    Repurposed kitchen utensils, metals, martini shakers, steel platters, fondue fork, golf club shafts, sugar bowls H-25" W-45" D-10"
  • Mantis
    Mantis
    Repurposed kitchen utensil, metals, gravy boats, ice cream scoops, fork and knife handles,candy dishes, silver wire H-27" W-13" D-19"
  • Ant-T
    Ant-T
    Repurposed kitchen utensils, metals, brass lamp parts, flower pot, brass dishes, candy dishes, telephone bells, andiron and trumpet parts H-16" W-43" D-29"
  • Itcher
    Itcher
    Repurposed kitchen utensils, metals, silver teapot and handles, silver creamer, fork tongs, plastic, H-8" W-15" D-9"
  • Elusive
    Elusive
    Wine glass stem, bud vase parts, buttons, copper wire with patina, shrink tubing, driftwood H-18" W-24" D-7"
  • Nat Eater
    Nat Eater
    Repurposed kitchen utensils, metals, copper teakettle, chafing dish parts, bellows, candy dishes, wood, copper wire H-7" W-14" D-9"
  • Intruder
    Intruder
    Repurposed kitchen utensils, keys, silver teapot, handles and spouts, glass beads, silver bowl H-9" W-22" W-12"

Insects II

JIM OPASIK's Insect series is based on imaginary or realistic bugs.

Repurposed kitchen utensils are the domestic objects he uses to create his series of whimsical figurative sculpture. The assortment of implements used in every household for preparing meals is transformed so the viewer can experience them in a different way. Food for the eye, one might say. Opasik collects used kitchen and metallic objects from flea markets, thrift stores, sidewalk sales and donations from friends. Welding and riveting the repurposed utensils and metals are the primary means of joining the artwork.
  • Mother Bug
    Mother Bug
    Repurposed kitchen utensils and metals: silver teapot, fondue forks, glass beads, golf club shafts H-21" W-13" D-15" Sold by Paper/Rock/Scissors, Baltimore, MD
  • Carver
    Carver
    Repurposed kitchen utensils and metals: knives, sugar bowl, fondue pot and forks, lamp parts, glass beads H-18" W-20" D-26"
  • Nano-Mite
    Nano-Mite
    Repurposed kitchen utensils: brass bowl, silver bowl handles, creamer, lamp parts, glass beads H-5" W-11" D-8" Sold by El Prado Galleries, Sedona, AZ
  • Tarantula
    Tarantula
    Repurposed kitchen utensils and metals: teapots, forks, soap dish, butter dish, golf club shafts, brass finials, glass beads H-11" W-16" D-27"
  • Wolf Spider
    Wolf Spider
    Repurposed kitchen utensils and metals: bowls, forks, bicycle bells, golf club shafts, glass beads H-33" W-26" D-17" Commissioned by Dr. Alan Goldberg, Baltimore, MD
  • Scorpion
    Scorpion
    Repurposed kitchen utensils and metals: forks, golf club shafts, candy dishes, spoons, whisks, potato peelers H-27" W-24" D-28"
  • Odenata
    Odenata
    Repurposed kitchen utensils and metals: coffee pot, strainers, can opener parts, spout, frying pans, kitchen table legs, lids, copper mugs, aluminum rod, painted steel base H-72" W-86" D-60"
  • Odenata (detail)
    Odenata (detail)
    See full image
  • Blood Shot
    Blood Shot
    Repurposed kitchen utensils and metals: silver pitcher, silver handles, glass beads, fondue forks, silver platter parts, metal vase part H-9" W-10" D-19" Sold by El Prado Galleries, Sedona, AZ
  • Web Crawler
    Web Crawler
    Repurposed kitchen utensils and metals: silver teapot, sugar bowl, cocktail shaker, can opener parts, ski pole rods, chrome steel base H-51" W-53" D-50" Sold by Michael Levy Gallery, Long Beach, CA

Heads

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JIM OPASIK's Head Series is based on imaginary subjects.

Repurposed kitchen utensils are the domestic objects he uses to create his series of whimsical figurative sculpture. The assortment of implements used in every household for preparing meals is transformed so the viewer can experience them in a different way. Food for the eye, one might say. Occasionally electronics and mirrors are incorporated into the art. Opasik collects used kitchen and metallic objects from flea markets, thrift stores, sidewalk sales and donations from friends. Welding and riveting the repurposed utensils and metals are the primary means of joining the artwork.
  • Wokman
    Wokman
    Repurposed kitchen utensils and metals: wok, lid, spoon handles, cheese cutters, beaters, can opener parts, fiber optics, electronics H-!6" W-15" D- 7"
  • Court Jester
    Court Jester
    Repurposed kitchen utensils and metals: silver teapot, spoons, glass beads, chafing dish handle H-10" W-8" D-10"
  • Queen and Princess
    Queen and Princess
    Repurposed kitchen utensils: silver teapot, creamer, spoons, chafing dish parts H-11" W-20" D- 7"
  • Art Ducko
    Art Ducko
    Repurposed kitchen utensils and metal: pitcher, pot lid, salt/pepper shaker lids, cooper H-12" W-8" D-8"
  • Duchess
    Duchess
    Repurposed kitchen utensils: silver cream pitcher, spoons, glass beads H-5" W-3" D-5"
  • Royal Family
    Royal Family
    Repurposed ktichen utensils and metals: chafing dishes, lids, pastry and jello molds, cake decorating tips, grinder auger H-36" W-33" D-10"
  • Diplomats
    Diplomats
    Repurposed kitchen utensils and metals: coffee pots, bowls, steel wool, candle snuffer tip H-14" W-16" D-6"
  • Kaleidoscope Eyes
    Kaleidoscope Eyes
    Repurposed kitchen utensils and metals: bun warmer, ladles, spoons, grater, kaleidoscopes, electronic sound H-11" W-10" D-8"
  • Sadman (Self Portrait)
    Sadman (Self Portrait)
    Repurposed kitchen utensils: wok, forks, stove parts, ladle, can openers, refraction lens, holographs, electronics H-15" W-15" D-8"
  • Infuriator
    Infuriator
    Repurposed kitchen utensils and metals: teakettles, metal cups, grinder parts, mirrors, weed whacker tips H-15" W-13" D-8"

Heads II

JIM OPASIK'S Head series is based on imaginary subjects.

Repurposed kitchen utensils are the domestic objects he uses to create his series of whimsical figurative sculpture. The assortment of implements used in every household for preparing meals is transformed so the viewer can experience them in a different way. Food for the eye, one might say. Occasionally electronics and mirrors are incorporated into the art. Opasik collects used kitchen and metallic objects from flea markets, thrift stores, sidewalk sales and donations from friends. Welding and riveting the repurposed utensils and metals are the primary means of joining the artwork.
  • The Brat
    The Brat
    Repurposed kicthen utensils and metals: lids, brass bowl, copper pot, wine goblet parts, spatulas H-21" W-14" D-6"
  • Tea Totaler
    Tea Totaler
    Repurposed kitchen utensils: cooper teakettle, steamer, bottle opener parts, salt/pepper lids, grinder parts H-9" W-9" D-8"
  • Sportscaster
    Sportscaster
    Repurposed kitchen utensils: syrup lids, strainer, spoons, bowl, chafing dish leg H-10" W-7" D-6"
  • Khan
    Khan
    Repurposed kitchen utensils: teakettle, collander, copper salt/pepper shaker parts, masher, brass vase parts, mold H-17" W-12" D-11"
  • Peking Duck
    Peking Duck
    Repurposed kitchen utensils: coffee pot, metal basket, knives, spoons, salt/pepper lids H-12" W-10" D-10"
  • Kernal Mixer
    Kernal Mixer
    Repurposed kitchen utensils: popcorn maker lid, mixers, pan, handle, strainers, mirrors H-21" W-15" D-9"
  • Speak No Evil, Hear No Evil
    Speak No Evil, Hear No Evil
    Repurposed kitchen utensils: stainless steel teakettle, forks, spoons, can opener parts, masher H-11" W-10" D-8"
  • Lighten Up
    Lighten Up
    Repurposed kitchen utensils: roasting pan, forks, cheese cutter, cocktail strainers, bottle openers H-17" W-11" D-7"
  • Invader
    Invader
    Repurposed kitchen utensils: meat grinder parts, burned bowl, spoons, salt/pepper shaker lids, mold, ice bucket parts H-!3" W-17" D-12"
  • Swing King
    Swing King
    Repurposed kitchen utensils and metals: bowls spoons, trumpet H-21" W-23" D-24"

Commissions

"Reflector" is both a wall and freestanding sculpture commissioned for a private collector.

"Birth of the Blues" is a wall sculpture commisioned by a collector who wanted his discarded piano
keyboard to be used.  The man is a blues affianado and wanted that to be conveyed. 

"Symphony" is a wall sculpture commissioned by a friend of the collector of  "Birth of the Blues".

"Long Ride" is a freestanding commission requested by a couple who are motorcycle enthusiasts.




  • Reflector
    Reflector
    Sugar Bowls, Soup Ladles, Liquor Pour Spouts, Wine Cup, Ski Pole, Spoons, Bead Chain, Copper Fill Tank Tubes, & Rock H- 34" W- 43" D-22"
  • Reflector Head (Top View)
    Reflector Head (Top View)
    Sugar Bowls, Soup Ladles, Liquor Pour Spouts, Wine Cup, Ski Pole, Spoons, Bead Chain, Copper Fill Tank Tubes, & Rock H-34" W-43" D-22"
  • Birth Of Blues
    Birth Of Blues
    Keyboard, Trumpet, Sunglasses, Pencil, Steel Wire, Wood, & Music Notes H-26" W-26" D-10
  • Symphony
    Symphony
    Repurposed Violin and bow, Piano keyboard, Flute, 78rpm vinyl record. Size: H - 21" W - 20" D - 9"
  • Long Ride
    Long Ride
    "Long Ride" is a commission piece of two people on a motorcycle, however it is not a motorcycle! The work is constructed of various repurposed parts as sausage grinder, cheese grater, chain, bicycle parts, wire, lawnmower wheels, skeletal parts, photos in rearview mirror, springs. Size: H - 4 1/2' W - 6 1/4' D - 2 1/2'