The Deep Sleep — Original Steel Kraken Sculpture
Exhibited at the Metal Artist Collective booth at FABTECH 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
The Deep Sleep is an original, one-of-a-kind welded steel Kraken sculpture by American metal artist Jeremy Werkheiser of Metal Relic. Recognized at the national level and displayed during FABTECH 2026 in Las Vegas, this sculpture brings together intricate metal craftsmanship, maritime mythology, and a documented artistic journey.
Artist's Statement — The Story Within the Steel
“The sculpture is the NOW. You're looking at one frozen moment, but you can see evidence of what happened immediately before it and enough information to understand where the story is headed.” — Jeremy Werkheiser
The Deep Sleep captures a pirate ship caught in the grasp of a Kraken: not a complete story, but a single moment of movement, tension, and chaos. The scene invites the viewer to imagine what lies beyond the visible sculpture—and what remains hidden beneath the surface.
The artistic challenge was to transform rigid industrial steel into the fluid, organic movement of a living creature: curling tentacles, layered scales, and a ship struggling against forces larger than itself. Every angle reveals another detail.
“First I want them to stop. Then I want their eye to keep discovering things.” — Jeremy Werkheiser
A Legendary Creature, Forged in Steel
Coiling tentacles surround the form of a mythical Kraken, their surfaces built from 2,542 individually formed and welded steel scales. Every curve and layered detail contributes to the impression of a powerful sea creature captured in a moment of stillness.
Nearly 500 hours were invested in the complete project, from design and documentation through fabrication and finishing. The sculpture incorporates MIG, TIG, and stick welding alongside plasma cutting and other metalworking techniques.
Exhibited at FABTECH 2026 — Las Vegas
In October 2026, The Deep Sleep was displayed at the Metal Artist Collective booth at FABTECH 2026 in Las Vegas, NV, bringing the Kraken before an international audience of metal artists, fabricators, and manufacturing professionals. This exhibition forms an important chapter in the sculpture's provenance.
Awards & Juried Recognition
- 2025 — SkillsUSA District 11: Gold Medal, Welding Sculpture.
- 2025 — SkillsUSA Pennsylvania: Gold Medal, Postsecondary Welding Sculpture.
- 2025 — SkillsUSA National Leadership & Skills Conference: Bronze Medal, Postsecondary Welding Sculpture.
- 2025 — Harford Fair: First Place, Judge's Delight, and Best of Show.
- 2026 — Metal Supermarkets Metal My Way: First winner of the 2026 competition.
- 2026 — TERAVARNA 14th OPEN International Juried Art Competition: Honorable Mention.
- 2026 — Fusion Art Artist's Choice Exhibition: Best in Show, 3-Dimensional Art.
- 2026 — International Institute of Welding (IIW): Selected for the 2026 Welded Art Digital Collection, pages 104–105, associated with the IIW Annual Assembly in Salzburg, Austria.
- 2026 — Grizzly Maker's Challenge: Top 10 Finalist.
Exhibition History
- 2026 — FABTECH, Las Vegas, Nevada: Displayed at the Metal Artist Collective booth, October 21–23.
- 2026 — Kitson Art Gallery: Exhibition through March 22.
- 2026 — Dietrich Theater / Wyoming County Arts & Artists Tour: Exhibition, March–May.
Press, Television & Publications
January 2026 — Benchmark Abrasives #BenchmarkSpotlight: Featured artist interview on Jeremy Werkheiser and Metal Relic, including The Deep Sleep, fabrication methods, tools, artistic process, and future goals.
The sculpture and the artist behind it have been documented in regional arts journalism, national welding-industry media, and television coverage.
- October 2026 — The FABRICATOR magazine: Print feature and artist interview about Jeremy Werkheiser and his welding-art practice.
- 2026 — WNEP-TV, “On The Pennsylvania Road”: Television feature on Jeremy Werkheiser's metal sculpture, including The Deep Sleep.
- 2026 — Snap-on “Makers & Fixers”: Artist profile featuring the journey behind Metal Relic.
- Spring 2026 — North Branch Arts Paper: News coverage of The Deep Sleep being named a Metal My Way competition winner.
- Summer 2025 — North Branch Arts Paper: The Deep Sleep featured on the cover.
Additional media coverage and supporting publication records are available through the Metal Relic Press & Recognition page.
Artwork Specifications
- Artist: Jeremy Werkheiser, Metal Relic
- Title: The Deep Sleep
- Year created: 2025
- Medium: Original welded steel sculpture
- Dimensions: Approximately 18 in. L × 12 in. W × 18 in. H
- Artwork weight: Approximately 83.6 lb
- Individual steel scales: 2,542
- Project time: Nearly 500 hours, including approximately 280 hours of fabrication
- Edition: Unique original; no editions or reproductions
Provenance & Documentation
The Deep Sleep began as a welding sculpture project and developed into a nationally recognized work. Its design, construction, competition history, and subsequent exhibition at FABTECH 2026 are part of its documented story.
The artwork is accompanied by its original project notebook, including design sketches, fabrication records, and progress photography, along with a Certificate of Authenticity issued by Metal Relic Studios.
For the Collector
Authenticity: This is the original 2025 work, not a reproduction or an edition. A Metal Relic Studios Certificate of Authenticity and the original project notebook accompany the artwork.
Documentation: Design sketches, construction records, process photographs, competition history, and available exhibition and press references establish a traceable history of the sculpture.
Presentation and care: Prospective collectors may request additional detailed photographs, condition information, and a discussion of appropriate display and care before purchase.
Collector Inquiries & Acquisition
One original sculpture. One documented history. Offered to private collectors, galleries, institutions, and serious buyers seeking a distinctive work of contemporary metal art.
The sculpture is being returned from its FABTECH 2026 exhibition. Availability and delivery arrangements will be confirmed with the purchaser; specialized packing, insured transportation, and shipping costs will be coordinated separately.
For pricing and acquisition discussions, additional documentation, or shipping arrangements, contact Metal Relic Studios directly.
Custom Sculpture Commissions
Looking for a bespoke metal sculpture of your own? Metal Relic also accepts inquiries for custom commissioned artwork, from distinctive private-collection pieces to large-scale sculptures for businesses, galleries, and public spaces. Every project begins with a conversation about your vision, scale, materials, placement, and artistic goals.
Contact Jeremy Werkheiser directly to discuss a custom sculpture commission.