Some artists create their work with the finest materials, using only the best brushes, paints and canvases. Bo Burbank isn’t one of them.

A “found object” sculptor, the Marion resident has searched the “take it or leave it” pile at the Plymouth Transfer Station and combed beaches to find the unusual, interesting and odd pieces used to create his abstract art.

Unwanted lobster pots and tangled fishing lines are viable options. He says, “I’ll go to the sea to find material. The ‘wash ins’ that don’t wash out.”

Busted piano parts, rusted shovels and scrap metal are also on Burbank’s palette. Those last two items were used in his first found object sculpture, built 16 years ago. Titled “Bugged,” the doghouse-sized insect is bug-eyed with thin metal legs and antennae.

“There was this beautiful shape in a piece of iron I found. I put it aside and later found some material to fill the space. They were like two eyes,” he said. “It’s been with me all this time. I can’t part with it.”

The sculpture stands guard outside his Main Street home. Above the garage is a studio that Burbank and his wife, Eloise, a weaver, use for their artistic endeavors. The rest of the house is a de facto art museum. The couple’s six children are artists in their own right, and their work adorns the walls.

Fittingly, the Marion Art Center is across the street. From now until April 19, Burbank and two other abstract artists have their work on display at the center, located at 80 Pleasant St. in Marion.

The retired Tabor Academy teacher taught art and mathematics at the school for many years. One of his sons followed his path and now teaches mathematics and art. His oldest son is in Hollywood where he is a well-respected film set designer.

His daughter and granddaughter also inherited the artistic temperament. A frenzied self-portrait of his daughter titled “High School Dementia” hangs in the Burbank’s studio. Depressive blues and manic reds are used in the large painting, which is split across separate canvases.

“She painted that because everyone was going crazy their senior year,” Burbank said.

As for his granddaughter, her preferred medium is duct tape – yes, that same sturdy, gray adhesive you’re familiar with.

“She makes purses, jewelry – really intricate items,” said Burbank.

With so much talent in one family, being artistic could be genetic, but it might be a recessive gene. His parents weren’t artists. His great aunt was, just not in the same vein.

“She was a poet who illustrated her own poems,” he said. “They were very intricate, beautiful illustrations.”

Looking at Burbank’s paintings the word intricate doesn’t come to mind – expressive, passionate and emotional, sure – but not intricate.

“I’ve always sought to approach an environment, landscape or an idea that’s on my mind by attacking it on canvas,” he said. “Or, mixed media or anything I had around.”

Burbank’s process is two-fold. First, he finds an object and lets it simmer in his home for weeks or months. Second, he waits for inspiration to strike.

Using this method, he’s created art in response to political and cultural issues as well as lighter ones, including an artist’s need to move forward.

In his studio, a mixed media painting looks curiously similar to his “Bugged” sculpture. The difference? This insect is holding a paintbrush.

“I guess that could be me telling myself to get back to painting,” he said.

Because he hasn’t limited himself to one style or medium through the years Burbank’s work is always varied.

“My children say that when I show my work I’m a one-man group show,” he said. “Because everything I submit is so different.”