Sci-Fi Sculptures

Ellie Bodor’s art is fueled by her passion for science fiction. She shapes metal wires into futuristic sculptures. A ninth-grader at Pine View School in Osprey, Florida, Ellie’s dream is to someday make prosthetics (artificial limbs) for humans. “I want to be on that frontier,” she adds excitedly, “where we’ll blend humans with machines.”

What made you decide to work with industrial materials?

I try to portray a fictional world of robots, machines, gears, and cogs as much as I can in my sculptures. Metal wire is a perfect medium for me. I love how malleable the wires feel as I bend them into shape. 

How did you create your sculptures?

Using wire cutters and pliers, I bent 16-gauge wire to create a frame for each sculpture. Once I shaped its pose, I used a higher gauge but thinner wire to add the “skin” and other details, like feathers. I used copper-colored wire to add color. I continued to make adjustments and improvements as I worked.

What was the biggest challenge creating these figures?

My figures don’t have eyes, so I have to suggest attitude through their forms, poses, and gestures. 

Do you have a favorite sculpture? Why?

I’d have to say the robotic bug. It’s the most solid-looking and the most imposing sculpture. I was really surprised how well it turned out. Using screws was the perfect choice to make it sci-fi and scary.

Do you have any advice for aspiring artists like yourself?

Be original. Keep pushing yourself to do better. Learn from your mistakes, but don’t dwell on them.

Ellie won Gold Keys for her sculptures in the 2015 Scholastic Art & Writing Awards.

To find out more about this program, visit artandwriting.org.