Heavy Metal Artist

摘要

Dick Sonnek has the sturdy hands of a farmer. He has the light heart of a toy collector, the spry step of a gardener, and the creative eye of an artist. Sonnek is all of these things. He and Marion, his wife of nearly 50 years, are the creators and caretakers of a 31/2-acre oasis of lush gardens and striking metal sculpture tucked into the farm fields of southern Minnesota.As you begin your drive up the nearly mile-long road to the Sonnek estate about 7 miles south of Mapleton, a small town near Mankato, the only hint as to what is awaiting is a sign that reads Sonnek Gardens and Metal Art. White-tailed deer bound across the way and head off through the corn fields and wild turkeys flap freely in front of your car. But as you approach the homestead, you are greeted by perhaps the most impressive creature you have seen in a long time: a 12-foot bird-like fellow with porcelain doorknobs for eyes, what appears to be half of a tire rim for a head, and the remains of some sort of rake fanned into a proud set of tail feathers. This is more than trash art: The detail in the design, the cleverness of the assemblage, the impressive scale, the accuracy of the anatomy, and the distinct personality tell you this bird is sizing you up. He is ominous at first, yet quickly turns welcoming. You feel at home and suddenly know you are in a special place.