‘It’s art with a function’, how scrap metal is transformed

KEARNEY, Neb.— In south central Nebraska, one man is turning discarded metal and aluminum into towering 200-pound masterpieces. 

If you take an exit off the interstate, and head 11 miles south, you just might find some unique creatures standing on the corner of a county road. 

Martin Henry Freed of Loomis has been collecting scrap metal, aluminum and spare parts to create extremely intricate pieces.

It all started in 2018 when his wife wanted to decorate their garden.

A pretty please later, and a praying mantis was formed.

Each insect, whether large or small, is designed to hold business cards, and some even double as rain gauges.

Freed’s creations have found homes with friends, neighbors, and curious passersby. But for him, the real reward is witnessing the awe on people’s faces when they see his art for the first time. 

“[I like] seeing people smile, and saying wow, that’s kind of neat,” said Freed.

Freed has made multiple bugs, people, motorcycles and wind chimes.

His most notable are planted at the intersection of G and 738 Roads.

With glowing eyes, they stand watch over his fields as silent soldiers crafted from scrap. 

All of his work is made right here on his farm. 

Freed welds together these sculptures using found items like old watches, bolts, and pipes, adding new pieces as he comes across them. 

“These [pieces] started here, otherwise they’re going to be turned into a bug,” said Freed.

Freed recently discovered that there’s an audience for his work. He created a Youtube channel showing others that with a creative eye, even the most ordinary scraps can become something truly special.