Using recycled materials, an angle grinder, a welder and his two hands, Graham Johns has created more than 250 metal sculptures at his Marong home.
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Mr Johns, 69, took to welding two years ago, learning the trade at Marong and District Men's Shed.
"My wife had a serious car accident in 2005 and I have been looking after her full-time since," Mr Johns said.
"I do most of my welding at home because I'm a full-time carer."
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Annette Johns was driving with her 14-month-old son when her car came off the road and crashed into a tree in 2005.
While her son escaped with only a cut on his shoulder, Mrs Johns acquired a brain injury that left her in a coma.
The then-47-year-old, who had been an accomplished horse vet, was transferred to the Alfred Hospital in Melbourne where she spent six weeks in a coma.
Mrs Johns returned to the couple's Marong property in 2009, where Mr Johns is her main carer.
Mr Johns said his newfound welding skill and passion is a form of therapy for him.
"I've only got two carers to help me so I have to be here nearly all the time," he said.
"Originally, I made sculptures in wood, including the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House, but I got tired of wood and always wanted to learn how to weld.
"Ken at the Mens Shed taught me the basics and I took it from there."
"All of the creativity is in my head.
"I have a heap of recycled materials outside and I can go out, pick a bit of stuff and think I'm going to make this."
Recycled materials obtained from around Bendigo, including the Eaglehawk Recycling Shop, help inspire Mr Johns' creativity.
"If I can see a shape, I can make anything," he said.
"I have made bulldozers, animals and airplanes.
"As long as I can weld it, I can make it."
In a backyard full of sculptures varying in shape and size, Mr Johns has welded more than just objects.
"I created a sculpture of wheelchair tennis player Dylan Alcott," he said.
"One of the carers sent a photo of it to him and he was rapt."
Mr Johns hopes to one day host an exhibit of his sculptures, to share his years of creativity and ingenuity with the community.
The Marong and District Men's Shed meet Monday and Friday between 9am and 4pm at 16 High Street, Marong.
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