The Foundation: Historic Railway Screws
Each sculpture in the Railway People collection is built upon authentic hardware from the historic Knysna railway line - a vital transportation link that connected coastal communities across the Garden Route of South Africa.
When the railway was decommissioned, these screws and bolts were destined for scrapyards. Instead, they found new purpose as the foundation for artistic expression. Each screw bears a unique number, a testament to its industrial heritage and the meticulous craftsmanship of a bygone era.
By transforming these forgotten pieces of infrastructure into art, we preserve not just metal, but memories - giving new life to the industrial soul of South Africa.
The Railway People Collection
From historic railway heritage to modern artistic expression - each figure tells its own unique story.
The Screw
Meet Steve Kirsten
Turning scrap metal into whimsical creatures and creations
"The more I do this, the more I see potential in all sorts of weird and odd bits of scrap metal."– Steve Kirsten
With an eye for detail and a love for craftsmanship, Steve Kirsten transforms discarded metal into imaginative sculptures and unique works of art. From small, intricate figures to larger statement pieces, each creation carries its own personality and charm.
Steve's journey began after qualifying at Saasveld Forestry College in 1977. "I was born in Benoni and completed my army training after school," he says. "I then operated a metal lathe in a steel factory to fund a few months of hitchhiking across Europe." Years later, he returned to his roots on the Garden Route and discovered the immense satisfaction of turning scrap metal into extraordinary pieces.
Originally crafting wooden garden benches, Steve soon found himself drawn to metalwork. "These were big and cumbersome," he recalls. "I had a friend who traded at markets and asked his advice on what products I could sell. He queried whether they had to be made of wood – which changed my whole mindset. I already had all the necessary tools, so I started researching metal as a medium."
Inspired by the shapes and textures of salvaged materials, Steve continues to experiment and innovate with every project, seeing potential where others see waste.
Heritage & Sustainability
Knysna Railway Heritage
Using authentic railway screws preserves South African industrial history in artistic form.
Environmental Impact
Every sculpture prevents metal from ending up in landfills, turning waste into wonder.
Find Steve's Work
Mosaic Market, Sedgefield
Visit Steve at his stall, Creatures Great and Small, every Saturday morning to see his fantastical creatures and objets d'art on display.
Garden Route Markets
Steve's unique sculptures can be found at various markets throughout the Garden Route region.
Connect & Collect
Find these unique pieces at markets across South Africa, or get in touch about commissioning custom sculptures.