An artist is coining it in with shining sculptures of men and women - from 2p pieces. <br />Sculptor Shaun Gagg, 46, spends weeks patiently creating individual busts of figures and literally turning pennies into pounds - as they sell for upwards of £160. The father-of-four lists his works on Artfinder - a global marketplace for original artwork - where it has been quickly snapped up. Shaun, of Filey, North Yorks., said: "From working with stone sculptures, I then used slate. <br /><br />"About three years ago I moved to my primary resources, presently being nails, steel, and 2p coins. With coins you can't really do anything too adventurous - because they are flat but give off a cool effect. But welding coins is a lot safer - despite still burning myself all the time." <br />Shaun's portfolio also includes rock sculptures while balancing rocks on top of each other - but a climbing incident meant he had to retire from walking after damaging his ankle. The grandfather-of-two said: "My next project is going to be a lifesize Jesus being crucified on the cross - all made out of old nails. <br /><br />"Artfinder is an amazing tool, and now my work has sold so quickly it's an incredibly humbling feeling." <br />Jonas Almgren, chief executive of Artfinder said: "Our mission here at Artfinder is to give independent artists the ability to directly support themselves and to make a living from their art. I'm delighted that so early in the company's growth that we have success stories such as Shaun's." <br /><br />Shaun's sculptures can be bought at http://www.sculptureman.webs.com/
