What happens to all those guns collected in city buyback programs? Earlier this month, one church on the South Side of Chicago raked in some 5,500 weapons, including a few large military grade machine guns. Generally, the policy is 'no questions asked' and in exchange for your firearm, you might receive a gift certificate to the local grocery chain. The guns are subsequently destroyed, returning them to scrap metal.
One California artist saw an opportunity in that scrap metal. Victor Hugo Zayas worked with the LAPD to obtain several batches of guns rendered impotent and reshaped them into some quite beautiful sculptures. "I'm most interested in the concept of transforming something so violent and something that can hurt you into something beautiful," says Zayas.
Images from website of Victor Hugo Zayas
















Robert Redford advocating against the demolition of Santa Monica Pier while filming "The Sting" 1973


A woman looks out on the waterCanva
A couple sits in uncomfortable silenceCanva
Gif of woman saying "I won't be bound to any man." via
Woman working late at nightCanva
Gif of woman saying "Happy. Independent. Feminine." via 
Pyramid of Khufu
A spherical dolerite pounder.
Abeer Eladany holds open the box of splinters
The box that the missing piece of cedar was discovered
The wooden fragments dated to around 3341-3094 BC
Friends helping one another cross a creek.Photo credit
A group of young people. Photo credit
Studies suggest empathy builds connection.Photo credit
People consoling a friend.Photo credit 

Hungry and ready.Photo credit
The mac and cheese staple presentation.Photo credit
Pizza ready from the oven.Photo credit
Friends hover around the barbeque.Photo credit
Seafood platter on the beach.Photo credit
Scarecrow watches over a vegetable garden.Photo credit