How Do I Create my Cosmos Inspired Sheet Steel Sculptures

Sculpture has always been a means for me to explore the vast unknown—our place in the cosmos, the mysteries of human civilization, and the bridge between the past and the future. My sculptures are not just physical objects; they are kinetic explorations of space, paleontology, and the human desire to reach beyond the limits of our knowledge. If you are drawn to modern art, intrigued by space, or simply curious about the process of turning raw steel into evocative sculptures, I’d love to tell you more about my creative approach.

Concept and Inspiration: The Cosmic Connection

Every sculpture begins with an idea—often sparked by my fascination with space exploration, ancient lifeforms, and the philosophical questions about our existence. I find immense inspiration in celestial bodies like the Rosette Nebula, the Pillars of Creation, and the possibility of extraterrestrial life on moons like Europa. These themes resonate deeply with me because they represent both the unknown and the deeply familiar—echoes of history written in the stars and in the fossilized remains of creatures that once roamed our planet.

By combining these elements, I create sculptures that feel both futuristic and primal, bridging the gap between scientific exploration and artistic expression. The question I always ask myself is: How can I translate the wonder of the cosmos and the mysteries of ancient life into something tangible?

Step 1: Sketching and Digital Design

Once I have a clear vision, I start by sketching the concept—either by hand or directly in my 3D software. This phase is crucial because it allows me to play with form, balance, and movement. My sculptures are often kinetic, meaning they have elements that shift with the touch of a hand and can therefore change their shape. To achieve this, I meticulously plan each joint and connection, ensuring that the sculpture will move fluidly while maintaining structural integrity.

I use 3D modeling software to refine my design, adjusting dimensions, weight distribution, and the way light interacts with the steel. This digital phase is where the sculpture truly comes to life before a single piece of metal is cut. The software allows me to experiment with proportions and test out different arrangements without wasting material.

Step 2: Precision Laser Cutting

With my digital model finalized, the next step is transforming the design into steel. I use laser cutting technology to ensure precise, clean cuts that match my vision exactly. The beauty of working with 4mm steel is that it provides the durability needed for large-scale sculptures while allowing for intricate, delicate details.

Each piece of the sculpture is cut separately, much like assembling a complex puzzle. This stage is both technical and artistic—precision is key, but so is allowing for organic variation that gives the final piece character. The raw steel at this point is cold and industrial, but I know that with the right techniques, it will soon become a sculpture that speaks to the imagination.

Step 3: Shaping and Completion

Once the individual components are cut, I begin the process of shaping and fitting them together. Assembly is more than just fusing metal—it’s about creating seamless connections that bring the form to life. This is where the sculpture transitions from flat cut-outs into a three-dimensional structure with depth and movement.

For kinetic elements, I incorporate rotation points, counterweights, and hidden pivots that allow for smooth motion. The goal is to ensure that the movement feels natural, as if the sculpture is responding to the environment around it. Whether it’s a piece inspired by the swirling motion of a galaxy or the delicate balance of an ancient fossil, movement adds an extra layer of engagement for the viewer.

Step 4: Surface Treatment and Finishing Touches

The finishing stage is where the sculpture truly takes on its identity. I use a variety of techniques to treat the steel surface, depending on the effect I want to achieve. Sometimes, I leave the raw industrial texture visible, embracing the rawness of the material as a contrast to the delicate movements. Other times, I apply patinas, heat treatments, or coatings to enhance the color. Sometimes I use natural oxidation as an intentional finishing treatment. Especially can give the enigmatic artifacts the right look.

Lighting is another important consideration. Many of my sculptures interact with light in a way that creates shifting shadows or glowing edges. This is intentional—I want my work to change depending on the time of day, the position of the viewer, and even the angle of artificial light.

Step 5: Presentation and Exhibition

Once the sculpture is complete, it’s time for it to be shared with the world. Whether it’s showcased in a gallery or through my online platform, I always consider how the piece will interact with its surroundings. Space is a major part of my artistic language—not just outer space, but the physical space in which my sculptures exist.

Each piece is designed to invite interaction, whether through touch, movement, or contemplation. I want viewers to feel a connection to the piece, to see reflections of both the cosmos and themselves within its forms. Imagining possible undiscovered exoplanetary lifeforms is the fascination deeply rooted in my sculptures. Whether former extinct or undiscover still thriving, all of them induce extreme strong desire to capture their possible look.

Why I Create: A Message Beyond the Sheet Metal

At its core, my work is about curiosity. It’s about looking up at the night sky and wondering what’s out there. It’s about recognizing the patterns that connect us to the past, from the evolution of life on Earth to the vast structures of the universe.

In a world that often moves too fast, my sculptures are an invitation to slow down and engage with the unknown. They are a tribute to the explorers, the dreamers, and the ones who dare to ask questions without easy answers. My art is a synergy of science, art and creativity. My sculptures are an honest expression of fascination for Space exploration and possibility of exoplanetary life discovery.

If you’re someone who loves modern art, space, and the intersection of science and creativity, I hope my sculptures speak to you. And if you’re thinking about creating your own steel sculptures, my advice is this: Start with a concept that excites you, embrace the technical challenges, and let the material guide you. The beauty of working with steel is that it holds both strength and flexibility—it can be shaped, cut, and transformed, just like the ideas that drive us to create.

Whether you’re an artist, a collector, or simply an admirer of space-inspired art, I invite you to explore my work and join me in this journey of imagination and discovery. After all, great art—like great discoveries—begins with curiosity and the courage to explore.

Peter Von Hauerland