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Culvert Man, Nodine, Minnesota.
Culvert Man, Nodine, Minnesota

America's Scrappy Workforce

If a nation is slowly rusting, filling its junk yards with the glories of past industry, is there still a will and determination for reinvention? If judged by the American roadside, the answer is "Yes! Reporting for double shifts, sir!"

Multitasking Man, Mojave, California.
Multitasking Man, Mojave, California

Each day, we spot evidence of people defying the addictive charms of the government dole, opting to forge a brighter future with their bare hands. The Scrappy Workforce rises up from discarded auto parts, used heating ducts, and retired tires. Giants of recycled metal, rubber and wire brandish the tools of their trade at transmission shops, in shop yards, and in weedy fields. Artists choose junk materials to mold their visions, welding and hammering big statues of wage-earners out of society's discards.

Darlene the Waitress, Sebastopol, California.
Darlene the Waitress, Sebastopol, California

The result ennobles labor in an easily understood form, appreciated by all -- a widget, on a grand scale.

Note: For this map, we've recruited our Scrappy Workforce from the towering coal miners, auto repairmen and Rosie the Riveters still on the job. And we gave some departments time off: no little auto parts sculptures, fiberglass Muffler Men, or traditional figurative sculptures of workers. And no bosses.

Scrappy Workforce

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