Mackerel Sky owner Linda Dufelmeier of Williamston, Mich., said when looking for art to sell in her store, her and her husband Tom look for pieces that are both creative and reasonably priced.

“After seeing a piece of Troy Sika’s art in the living room of one of our artist friends, we were interested in knowing more about him,” Dufelmeier said.

With no formal art training, Sika said he never considered himself to be an artist, just a mechanic who likes to weld.

“Making my sculptures expands my metal fabrication and welding skills,” Sika said. “I love to work with metal, finding it challenging and relaxing at the same time.”

The mechanic-turned-artist has been welding sculptures for more than 10 years and currently owns an auto repairs business where he found his inspiration for his first piece.

“The very first thing I made was a life-size car mechanic that you see when you walk into my shop, his name is Rusty,” Sika said. “That’s how it all started.”

Lansing resident and frequent customer at Mackerel Sky and Sika’s auto repairs shop, Marise Sills, said she is excited to see what Sika will do next.

“It’s neat to watch what he’s doing with his tools,” Sills said. “We love to visit the shop and see another piece of art
pop up.”