Self-trained artist Jeremy Mayer makes astonishing life-sized human figures and busts using only typewriter parts. He describes his process in detail on his web site’s about page.

I disassemble typewriters and then reassemble them into full-scale, anatomically correct human figures. I do not solder, weld, or glue these assemblages together- the process is entirely cold assembly. I do not introduce any part to the assemblage that did not come from a typewriter.

I collect typewriters (all vintages) that are in very rough shape, more-often-than-not completely unusable or beyond reasonable repair. I get them from yard sales, flea markets, thrift stores, and from my friends who happen upon them and think of me. Even with all the key cutters and crafters out there taking apart typewriters, there are many more out there in the world than you may think. For now, anyway.

I then disassemble the typewriters, very carefully backing out screws, pulling pins, and unfastening springs. I don’t use power tools to do this, because I don’t want to damage the parts or their finish. Someone could take 99% of the parts that I use in my sculpture and put them back in a typewriter, if someone were so inclined.

I tend not to like to clean the parts, and I don’t paint them. I like to leave the patina of age and the traces that the typewriter users left on the components. I like to think that the very DNA of the typist is left on the components.

He’s also done a very cool TED Talk about his work.

Mayer does other critters besides people—in fact, just last year we showed you his chihuahua. There are plenty more marvels to be seen at his Instagram and Tumblr pages.
 

 

 

 

 
More after the jump…