- October 20, 2028
- 4 min
Case Study | McNICHOLS® Perforated Metal Helps Bring Casey Parlette’s Marine Art to Life
Project Snapshot
Artist: Casey Parlette
Application: Marine Life Sculptures
Location: San Diego, CA
Product: Round Hole Perforated Metal, Item 18183114
Based in Laguna Beach, California, Casey Parlette creates marine life sculptures inspired by years spent in and around the ocean. His ability to combine tough metal materials with fluid, natural movement through blacksmithing and sculptural artistry has become a defining characteristic of his work.
The use of dynamic Specialty Metals like Perforated Metal, with their hole patterns, aids Parlette in creating visual depth and dimension in his sculptures. For many of his Stainless Steel pieces, Parlette has partnered with McNICHOLS to bring his artistic vision to life.
"Leaps and Bounds" Ahead
One standout example is the “Leaps and Bounds” dolphin sculpture installation at Del Mar Heights School in San Diego, California. The installation features three life-sized Stainless Steel dolphins emerging from sculpted concrete waves, creating a centerpiece that celebrates both creativity and community.
According to Parlette, the project offered an exciting creative opportunity:
"Trying to figure out a way to do this in a way that’s in my style, that’s got a little bit of nuance to it, that’s different from some of the other dolphin sculptures I’ve seen in the past." - Casey Parlette
To achieve the desired texture and dimensional detail, Parlette incorporated McNICHOLS® Perforated Metal into portions of the dolphins' bodies, creating contrast between polished Stainless Steel surfaces and textured perforated sections. Manufactured from Type 304 Stainless Steel, the material offered a combination of corrosion resistance and durability well-suited for an exterior coastal installation, while its perforated pattern introduced visual texture that enhanced the sculpture's layered, marine-inspired appearance.
The 1/8” Round Hole pattern with 3/16” staggered centers delivers a clean, balanced look while allowing light, shadow, and texture to interact across the surface. Parlette also appreciated this layered visual effect the fabricated material created:
"I really like the layering and the finished product that it renders with doing it out of fabricated [metal] material." - Casey Parlette
The interplay between reflective metal finishes and perforated sections adds dimension while reinforcing the marine-inspired aesthetic.
Forming Flat Metal into Fluid Motion
Beyond the dolphin installation, Parlette has also incorporated Perforated Metal into a variety of marine wildlife sculptures, including fish, sharks, turtles, and other coastal-inspired forms.
Transforming flat sheets of Stainless Steel into flowing marine forms requires both creativity and technical expertise. Parlette explained that one of the biggest challenges involved shaping fabricated metal into smooth, compound curves while preserving the visual movement of the sculpture.
By using the right hole pattern, gauge, and open area specifications, the sculpting process can be made much easier with the right material, which is more susceptible to bending and forming.
This combination of polished Stainless Steel and Perforated Metal helped create sculptures that feel dynamic and lifelike while maintaining the superior durability and reliable performance required for public installations.
Perforated Metal That Enhances Artistic Expression
Parlette’s use of McNICHOLS® Perforated Metal demonstrates the versatility of Perforated Metal beyond traditional industrial and architectural applications. With a little creativity, Perforated Metal can support:
- Visual texture and depth
- Light diffusion and shadow play
- Strong yet lightweight fabricated forms
- Durable exterior performance
- Custom artistic applications
- Architectural and sculptural integration
Whether used in public art, exterior design, or custom fabrication, Perforated Metal gives designers a flexible material option that can help balance visual impact, durability, and function.
Products and Specifications
Perforated Metal, Round Hole
ITEM 18183114 - Stainless Steel, Type 304, 14 Gauge (.0781" Thick), 1/8" Round on 3/16" Staggered Centers, 40% Open Area
Why Artists and Designers Choose McNICHOLS
At McNICHOLS, we understand that creative projects demand more than standard materials. Artists, architects, fabricators, and designers rely on McNICHOLS products to help transform concepts into reality. Casey Parlette’s work is just one use case demonstrating how the right materials can help elevate artistry while delivering the superior Service, Quality, and Performance customers expect from McNICHOLS.
McNICHOLS is the leading supplier of Specialty Metals and Gratings in the U.S. and has 19 locations nationwide. We are ready and Inspired to Serve® you at 855.318.8791, [email protected], or via Live Chat on mcnichols.com.