Recycled Spirits of Iron – Photos
On the way into our campground at Mount Rainier we passed a giraffe and a skeleton riding a Harley Davidson. We caught just a glimpse of Dan Klennert’s Sculpture Garden as we drove by, heads craning back to try to catch another creature. So after we got all set up, we headed back out in the SUV to visit the collection which is on his property in Elbe, WA. The garden tour is free, but Dan had out 3 donation buckets marked Democrat, Republican and Independent. Guess that’s one way to get some idea of who your demographic is or maybe just who’s cheap. We dropped some cash in a bucket and mosied on.
The scale and realism of these works was most impressive. From afar each piece was clearly recognizable, but upon closer inspection is where the real awe happened. The unusual parts and pieces placed in such careful construct was surprising and left me wondering how he figured out that a crescent wrench could best represent a dog’s tail or a pair of pliers as the bottom of a prehistoric creature’s jaw and then later used again as the hand brake on a motorcycle. Look closely and you’ll see that a tractor seat makes up the body of a guitar. There were even a few pieces made entirely of driftwood. The balance of abstract and realism was in short, genius.
If you’re visiting Mount Rainier, a stop at the Recycled Spirits of Iron is definitely worth an hour – it’s right on the way.
If by chance you’re in Spokane and craving real Sichuan a la Omei, be sure to go to Gordy’s and tell them Allie sent you.
“Spirits of Iron” not to be missed if in the area. We visited twice & on the second visit met Dan, his wife & adorable Minx kitty, Willow. Our visit was priceless.
Dan is a true gifted artist, adorned in a leather apron, jeans, western shirt, cowboy hat & boots plus a big handlebar mustache. What fun!!!!