In focus: Deval Metal Art | Deval Verma
Picture an artistic oeuvre that is a testament to the mastery of physics, engineering, and design. Each sculpture is a powerful, gleaming personification of the industrial aesthetic, projecting awe-inspiring scale and sleekness; the intricacy of every piece is almost meditative. And the best part? It’s all made of scrap metal.
In this edition of D-Talks, we sit down with Deval Verma, the creative force behind Deval Metal Art, to explore his extraordinary journey of turning discarded materials into breathtaking sculptures. Join us as we discover how this visionary artist from Indore has revolutionized the concept of upcycling, transforming over 20 tonnes of scrap into more than 250 artistic masterpieces.
The Artist behind the Art
The artist, now 33-year-old Deval Verma, founded the eponymous Deval Metal Art brand around 2017, forging it into a space where waste metal is turned into meaningful Contemporary Indian Metal art to reflect his vision of merging sustainability with creativity. He followed this in 2021 by setting up the umbrella agency of Wheelsmith Studio Pvt Ltd.
“Today, Deval Metal Art has grown into a platform for large-scale sculptures and installations, challenging how we see waste and repurposing it into art,” he elaborates.
In fact, in the last eight years, Deval has upcycled over 20 tonnes of scrap into over 250 sculptures, blending his technical expertise with pure creative instinct.
Hailing from Indore, Deval’s journey into art and design began rather early. “Growing up, I was always simply fascinated by how things were made and repurposed. This curiosity eventually turned into a passion for transforming discarded materials into meaningful art,” he narrates.
Early Life and Inspiration
In particular, as a young child, Deval professes to being enamoured by the television show M.A.D. on the channel Pogo TV. The series (an acronym for ‘music, art, and dance’) was a D-I-Y children’s educational programme, which often showcased how mundane, everyday objects could be transformed into something new and exciting.
“Inspired,” says Deval, “I started making my toys from random materials, unknowingly setting the foundation for my creative journey.”
Deval initially wished to be an automobile designer, but his fascination with metal took a different turn. Eventually, his academic pursuits — mechanical engineering and then product design at the MIT Institute of Design in Pune — only deepened his love for machines.
“But it was discarded industrial scrap that truly captivated me,” he admits, adding, “I saw beauty and potential in old gears, chains, and machine parts, which led me to experiment with upcycled metal art.”
For Deval, the iconic 15th century polymath Leonardo da Vinci is a huge inspiration. “Da Vinci’s ability to blend art and science, constantly seeking new knowledge, and pushing the boundaries of what was possible in both fields, resonates deeply with my own journey,” says Deval. “His inventive mind and mastery across so many disciplines serve as a reminder that true creativity knows no bounds.”
Deval Metal Art Sculpture
Deval’s design style is “a fusion of raw industrial aesthetics with intricate detailing”, he says. “I focus on storytelling through scrap metal. Every piece I create aims to evoke emotion, spark curiosity, and challenge perceptions of waste and beauty.”
At his studio, with chief engineer Faizan Khan, fabrication head Rajesh Jha and workshop in-charge Shivendra Singh Chauhan as lead members, Deval tackles a range of projects — from public installations to corporate commissions and personal collectibles.
He explains, “My sculptures are often site-specific, reflecting themes of sustainability, transformation, and cultural heritage. Our dedicated team helps bring these visions to life, collaborating across various aspects like fabrication, detailing, and logistics.”
Asked if he could break down their process for the layperson, Deval says, “Every project starts with understanding the concept and intent. I dive deep into research, sketching ideas, and exploring different materials that align with the theme. Once the concept is locked, the real challenge begins — sourcing the right scrap materials and shaping them into the desired form through cutting, welding, and finishing techniques. Each artwork is an iterative process of problem-solving and creativity.”
The Vision and The Design
The fascinating process and unique innovative vision of Deval and his team has translated into some spellbinding endeavours. “Each one is special to us in its own way,” says Deval.
In the last year alone, Deval collaborated with leading consumer electronics manufacturer OnePlus to repurpose discarded smartphones into artwork, merging technology and sustainability in an incredible aesthetic; he envisioned the stunning ‘BHARAT’ sculpture made of scrap metal for the Constitution Museum in Sonipat, with its meaningful installation marking the 75th anniversary of the Indian Constitution in 2024 and a prestigious achievement for the young artist; he also crafted the captivating ‘Peacock’ series, a set of sculptures that he calls “a creative exploration of form and movement, a challenge in capturing elegance through industrial scrap”. These installations today grace locations in Vantara (Jamnagar), Delhi, Indore, Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Gwalior and Trichy.
However, says Deval, elaborating on one of his most cherished projects: “Among all my works, the ‘Pawanputra Hanuman’ sculpture holds a special place in my heart. This piece was not just about form and technique — it was about capturing energy, devotion, and strength in metal.”
Spiritualism and Sustainability
The powerful handcrafted metal art captures Lord Hanuman in a dynamic pose and gained popularity online, deeply resonating with several devotees. “It is crafted entirely from scrap metal, including stainless steel, brass, and mild steel, depicting Lord Hanuman in a dynamic stance, radiating power and movement. Every detail, from the expression to the intricate textures, was carefully designed to reflect his unwavering spirit. Beyond its artistic significance, this sculpture reinforced my belief in the transformative power of upcycled art. It proved that discarded materials, when shaped with intent, could evoke deep emotion and admiration. ‘Pawanputra Hanuman’ is more than just a sculpture to me — it’s a testament to the impact of storytelling through metal,” says Deval.
He adds, “Every project pushes us to innovate, making each journey as rewarding as the final outcome.”
Future Directions
Looking ahead, Deval reveals that he has some exciting projects coming up, including animal sculptures that carry deep symbolic significance, exploring strength, resilience, and grace through form and material. The studio also has some international projects in the pipeline, expanding its reach beyond India.
Yet, one of the biggest challenges remains creating awareness and appreciation for upcycled art in mainstream spaces. “While sustainability is gaining traction, educating clients and stakeholders about the value of repurposed materials and the craftsmanship involved remains an ongoing effort. Additionally, material sourcing and logistical challenges in large-scale projects can also be demanding,” Deval points out.
However, he sums up, “Transforming scrap metal into art not only challenges me technically but also invites deeper reflection on how materials can be given a new life. It’s a constant learning process, especially in merging engineering precision with artistic expression. I’ve learned that sustainability and creativity are at the heart of every project.”
Image Courtesy: Deval Verma
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