Playl Manufacturing Company

Artist Biography

    Working under the name Playl Manufacturing Company, Justin Playl is a mechanical kinetic sculptor and foundry artist.  His art is interactive, often inviting the viewer act as the operator for his original machines.  Playl’s sculptures are made up primarily of cast metal, fabricated steel, and wood components, with the occasional found object.  In order to ensure his sculptures read as authentic industrial products, Playl uses traditional manufacturing techniques to create them, such as metal casting using greensand molds and wood patterns.

    Justin Playl grew up in rural Ohio, where he spent his summers camping, hiking, and sailing, and his winters working in the wood shop in his parents’ basement.  Playl received his BFA from Bowling Green State University and his MFA from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.  He has worked and exhibited at sculpture parks across the U.S. and internationally, including Salem Art Works, Franconia Sculpture Park, and Pedvale Open-Air Art Museum in Latvia.