Bruce Acosta
Combining more than 15 years of welding experience with a love for artistic expression, Bruce Acosta has already created more than two dozen of his trademark wrought iron motorcycle sculptures. Acosta has also produced metal sculptures of human figures, dinosaurs and other animals, but motorcycles are his passion. Each sculpture is conceived with a spark of imagination and realized by the flame of the welder's torch.
Tanks and windfoils emerge from sheet metal. Ends of a pipe become wheels. Wire serves as trim strips. "A bend here, a twist there, and it's no longer a welding rod -- it's an exhaust pipe," said Acosta. "Then I start forming the front end, the chassis, the fenders and the seat."
Finishing touches such as springs, handlebars, mirrors, and saddlebags give personality to each motorcyle. Many of the sculptures have moving parts, such as wheels and handlebars. Acosta's attention to detail endears the sculptures to collectors and admirers. Each motorcycle is signed and numbered.
"I don't paint any of my bikes," said Acosta. "The metals I use give off different sheens." A little anti-rust protectant keeps the bikes in top shape.
Acosta works as an optician in Cary, North Carolina. He and his wife reside in Garner, North Carolina, just outside the capital city of Raleigh.
© 1998,2001 Bruce Acosta