# Coquettishly Artistic Oil Pumps The 'Nodding Donkeys' Series Shows Us Decorated Texas Pumpjacks By Farida Helmy | Published 2014-04-29 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/oil-pumps References: [featureshoot](http://www.featureshoot.com/2014/04/ben-sklar/) & [bensklar](http://www.bensklar.com/pumpjack/) Adding a little bit of humor to traditional looking oil pumps, these funny and somewhat ironically decorated pumpjacks give Texas pumps some style and a whole lot of flair. Captured by Austin-based photographer Ben Sklar, this series of 'Nodding Donkeys' shows us the type of oil pumps you would see if you were cruising down Texan streets. The pumpjacks photographed are used to pull out the oil from the wells in Texas. The well-known and super successful photographer decided to capture these [decorated pumps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/surreal-street-art-1) because he feels they authentically capture a very [Texas-like charm](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sweetheart-saloon) that can only be found in small, oil-happy towns. Using a 4×5 camera, Sklar drove around Luling -- a small town -- and started photographing these [signature works of art](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/paul-anthony-smith) that are popular in such towns. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 0.7/10 - Popularity: 11% | Activity: 1% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/design) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Humorously Decorated Oil Pumps:** Opportunity for artists and designers to create unique and amusing designs for oil pumps, adding a touch of fun and creativity to a traditionally industrial object. - **Authentic Texas Charm:** Potential for businesses to capitalize on the unique cultural identity of small Texas towns by offering products and experiences that celebrate their oil heritage and local charm. - **Photography of Industrial Landmarks:** Increasing demand for photographers to capture the beauty and character of iconic industrial structures, such as oil pumps, showcasing the fusion of art and industry. ### Who This Affects Most - **Art and Design:** Opportunity for artists and designers to collaborate with oil companies and small Texas towns to create visually engaging and distinctive oil pumps. - **Tourism and Hospitality:** Potential for hotels, restaurants, and tour operators to cater to travelers seeking an authentic Texas experience by showcasing and promoting the decorated oil pumps as tourist attractions. - **Photography and Media:** Growth in the market for photographers and media platforms to capture and showcase the beauty of industrial landmarks like oil pumps, targeting businesses and individuals interested in industrial aesthetics. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Artistic Animalistic Tequilas](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dobel-atelier-animales-endmicos.md) - [Western Boot-Inspired Ceramic Vases](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/texan-vase.md) - [AI-Generated Poetic Photo Series](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/emilio-alarcn.md) - [Artisinal Tequila Bottles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/artisinal-tequila-bottles.md) - [Glamorous Artful Bronze Sculptures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sweet-jane.md) - [Sea-Inspired Mini Sculpture Capsules](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mini-sculptures.md) - [Statement Street Art](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/surreal-street-art-1.md) - [Gas Rig Art Installations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/striking-art-installation.md) - [In-Person Gallery Experiences](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/whataburger-museum-of-art.md)