# Fanciful Metal Sculptures Sondra Gerber Adds Whimsy & Style With Steely Determination By Katie Cordrey | Published 2009-04-17 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/girlie-metal-artist-sondra-gerber-adds-whimsy-color-style-art References: [metalpetalart](http://www.metalpetalart.com/) Sondra Gerber makes fanciful creations with a quirky sense of humor using her [plasma torch and welder](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nick-valentijn). The decorative designs are cut from heavy gauge steel and colorfully powder-coated to last outdoors. Fire pits are sprayed with stove black since powder-coating would burn off. Sondra works from Elkhorn, NE. She is a graduate of the [Colorado Art Institute](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/colorado-college-honnen-arts-hub) and sold her creations in her local community for over eight years before making her debut on [HGTV](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/teeny-tiny-haus). She now sells online and wholesales to galleries and small specialty shops. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 5.0/10 - Popularity: 54% | Activity: 88% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 30% men, 70% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/design) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Fanciful Metal Sculptures:** Opportunity for businesses to incorporate whimsical and humorous metal sculptures into their product offerings or store decor. - **Powder-coating for Outdoor Decor:** Potential for companies to develop durable, weather-resistant powder-coating solutions specifically for outdoor decorative items. - **Online Sales for Artisans:** Artists and craftsmen can explore the growing trend of selling their creations online, reaching a wider market beyond their local community. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Art and Home Decor:** Art and home decor industries can tap into the demand for unique and whimsical metal sculptures that add personality and style to living spaces. - **Manufacturing and Materials:** Manufacturers can innovate by developing specialized powder-coating technology that can withstand high temperatures for fire pit installations. - **E-commerce and Retail:** E-commerce platforms and small specialty shops can support and promote the online sales of artisans like Sondra Gerber, offering a wider range of products to their customers. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Sandalwood-Inspired Ceramic Collections](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sandalwood-collection.md) - [Towering Reclaimed Wooden Sculptures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/louise-durham.md) - [Resin Hardware Revivals](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/meta-hardware.md) - [Metal-Centric Playful Furniture](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sight-unseen-1.md) - [Artful Bronze Horse Sculptures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/deborah-butterfield-1.md) - [Whimsical Sculptural Furniture Series](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/city-block-series.md) - [Reworked Steel Forms](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/barred-collection.md) - [Raw Metal Design Shows](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nick-valentijn.md) - [Upcycled Sculptural Exhibitions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/eps-expanded-polystyrene-serie.md)