A sculptor who works with steel is preparing for an exhibition of his work in Birmingham.

Ray Lonsdale, 39, from South Hetton, east Durham, will exhibit ten pieces at The Art Lounge in the city centre.

He uses welding equipment to mould sheets of metal into abstract shapes that represent his thoughts.

Mr Lonsdale started metal sculpting about three years ago and is now accepting private commissions.

He said: "They are all personal pieces and about things that affect me.

"If you can't draw from your own experiences, you are just doing aesthetic steelwork. I tend to sit quietly and just wait for an idea to come."

His pieces include Approaching 40, the Screaming Stoic, and the Benediction of the Hypocrite. He is also being considered to create a Bob Stokoe statue outside the Stadium of Light in Sunderland.

Published: 27/07/2004