Fred has formal training and years of experience as a freelance photographer. Also, through what he calls “sheer fortitude”, he became skilled in gold- and silversmithing, lapidary (the cutting and polishing of precious stones), leatherworking, painting, welding, and woodworking. In all these, he says: “Eventually I get it right.” He hopes yet to try his hand at glass-blowing and other endeavours that “look neat”.

Fred’s fascinating metal sculpture is a natural outgrowth of his eclectic interests and skills. He starts by dismantling innumerable pieces of retired machinery, adding horseshoes and other metal objects into the mix. Once cleaned, the hodge-podge of parts are cut and reshaped and welded together. They coalesce magically into new forms that are not mere curiousities but real art. Sometimes, crankshafts and other parts retain their movement, enticing the viewer to investigate and making the art pieces seem oddly life-like.
 

Photo above: Fred with his friend Eeyore