Another man's trash is this man's treasure

I was so excited to have been assigned to write about Hollywood, FL-based artist/sculptor Valentino Lleganda for Hollywood Circle Magazine. I'd done my research, going on his website to read up on him and his beautiful recycled pieces. He has made a living at making another man's trash his treasure. The curiosity of hearing his story and seeing his work first-hand was killing me.What I encountered and the interview/conversation I experienced I will never forget.I arrived a little early at his home (which is also his studio) and upon entering was immediately mesmerized by the sculptures that dominate his home. I had seen his vases and pendant lamps that he creates from fire extinguishers on his site and found them to be gorgeous. But it's the masks he has displayed throughout his house that had me transfixed. They have alien eyes and mouths but yet also feature ancient Mayan and African elements. The way he combines the two is absolutely fascinating. Then he told me that several are made from old license plates that he strips down to the bare aluminum and then pounds with a hammer to make the face. Wow! He has so many around it was hard to pick a favorite but there was one that was entirely silver that I loved.He then toured me through his studio space on the back patio and even showed me a beautiful greenery-covered gazebo in his backyard where he meditates every morning. I felt a peaceful calm and zen when we stood there chatting. Another of his morning rituals, like any artist who works entirely with recycled materials, is scouring the neighborhood for found objects. I could envision him finding something discarded and eventually transforming it into a beautiful sculpture once he begins to mold and shape it. He even has one neighbor that knows he's always on the hunt for stuff and leaves him materials he thinks he might be able to use.I encourage you to visit his site and look out for my story in Hollywood Circle Magazine to discover this fascinating artist.