Before Metalbird became a global thing, it was just me, a grinder, and a bit of mischief.
I’d cut a bird silhouette in steel, sneak out at dawn, and hammer it into a lamppost or park fence.
No permission. No sign. Just a surprise for whoever walked by.
That’s how Metalbird started.
Not as a company. As street art.
The First Install
The first time I did it, I thought:
"Will anyone even notice?"
Turns out they did.
People stopped. Looked up. Took photos. Told their mates.
Some thought it was real for half a second. Then they realised it wasn’t... and in that moment, something shifted.
It wasn’t just about a bird shape.
It was about interrupting the everyday with a small piece of wonder.
Bringing Street Art Home
Now, Metalbird is in backyards, balconies, and parks all over the world.
But we never lost that street art spirit.
Because every time someone hammers a bird into a fence post, they’re doing what I did back in Grey Lynn.
They’re saying:
-
"This place matters."
-
"Art belongs in everyday life."
-
"I’m part of something bigger than just my garden."
How to Channel the Street Art Vibe
Want to install your bird like a street artist would?
Here’s how to bring a bit of rebellion and beauty to your own backyard.
-
Pick an Unexpected Spot
Street art works because it shows up where you don’t expect it.
So don’t just plonk your bird in the middle of the lawn.
Try:
-
A fence post you walk past every day
-
The back gate where the courier drops parcels
-
The side of the shed no one usually notices
-
A tree that catches the morning light
-
A spot where shadows play on the wall
Make it a surprise moment, not just decoration.
-
-
Go for Contrast
The first Metalbirds stood out because they were bold shapes against soft backgrounds.
Try that in your space:
-
A dark bird silhouette against pale weatherboards
-
A bird with a protective patina that seals and protects the silhouette, set against bright green foliage
-
A bird perched where the sky frames it at sunset
Think of it like graffiti... but the good kind.
-
-
Keep It Simple
Street art isn’t about over-explaining.
Neither is a Metalbird.
Don’t overthink the message. Let people make up their own minds.
Maybe it’s:
-
A tribute
-
A joke
-
A love letter to birds
-
A quiet rebellion against boring fences
All of those are valid.
-
-
Use the Patina
When you install a Metalbird, it starts out clean and sharp.
But then the weather does its work.
Rain. Sun. Frost. Time.
The bird develops a surface patina that saves the metal underneath. It softens into the landscape. It becomes part of the place.
That’s not a flaw. That’s street art that sticks around.
-
Make It Personal
When I hammered birds onto lampposts, I did it for no one and everyone.
When you do it in your garden, you get to make it personal.
Maybe it’s:
-
For someone you’ve lost
-
For the home you’ve built
-
For the simple joy of seeing a bird silhouette at dusk
Whatever the reason, it’s your art now.
-
Why This Matters
Most people think of art as something behind glass.
Metalbird is about art in the weather, in the wild, in your daily life.
It’s:
-
Hands-on
-
Interactive
-
Personal
When you install a bird, you’re not just decorating.
You’re taking part in a global outdoor art movement.
The Power of Public Art (Even in Private Spaces)
Street art works because it changes how we see the world around us.
A boring alley becomes a canvas.
A park fence becomes a gallery.
When you install a Metalbird, you’re doing the same thing in your own space.
You’re saying:
-
"This garden isn’t just dirt and plants... it’s part of a bigger story."
-
"This fence post isn’t just functional... it’s a place for art."
Stories from the Flock
We’ve had people tell us they:
-
Installed a bird on a shared fence so the neighbours could enjoy it too
-
Put one in the local community garden as a secret thank-you
-
Hammered one onto a back gate where only the postie sees it
That’s the street art spirit.
It’s not always about showing off. Sometimes it’s about small acts of quiet rebellion and joy.
You Don’t Need Permission
The beauty of Metalbird is that anyone can do it.
No gallery sign-off. No committee. No art degree.
Just:
-
A bird silhouette
-
A hammer
-
A spot that feels right
That’s it.
From Grey Lynn to the World
When I first cut birds in my shed, I never imagined they’d end up in millions of backyards.
But I’m glad they did.
Because now the whole world is part of the project.
Ready to Make Street Art for Your Garden?
If you’ve got a fence, a tree, a balcony, or a gate... you’ve got a canvas.
Pick your bird. Pick your spot. Hammer it in.
Join the movement.
Find your bird here.
Suggested Image:
A close-up of hands installing a Metalbird on an old fence, spray paint or chalk marks nearby, capturing that raw, urban-meets-nature vibe. Honest light. Real setting. No filters.