Engineer to artist may not be the most obvious of career moves, but one man who made the switch has now enjoyed his first major exhibition.

Dan Lane, 35, turned to art two years ago after 15 years working in engineering in Biggin Hill, Bromley.

Having been born in Dartford and attended Wentworth Primary School, his first exhibition brought him much closer to home.

Every Piece of Me kicked off at Bluewater’s Castle Galleries on Saturday, with Dan in attendance to talk to guests throughout the afternoon.

“I’m really looking forward to having my work exhibited in my home town for all my friends and family to see,” he said.

“I only live about five minutes from the gallery, and often pop in to say hello to the dedicated team that works there.”

The former Leigh City Technology College student creates all his artwork from pieces of machinery, using them to fashion spectacular sculptures in the style of Italian artist Gian Lorenzo Bernini.

He has since become known as Mechanica, but his local roots mean he draws plenty of inspiration from Kent.

Dan’s talent for juxtaposing nature against striking industrial backdrops caught the attention of leading art publisher Washington Green, who signed him up after a summer exhibition in 2014.

“Being signed to Washington Green has allowed me to be a full-time professional artist ,” said Dan. “This has in turn given me time to develop my art, techniques and style.

"His work unites elements of nature, religious iconography and mechanics, creating an artistic fingerprint of his own." Peter Gilby.

“One of the biggest benefits has been the exposure across the UK, which I wouldn’t have been able to achieve on my own.”

Dan enjoyed a near sell-out showcase of his work in London’s Mayfair district last year, and is hoping for similarly positive feedback to his work at Bluewater.

A raft of his original wall sculptures will be on show and available to buy from around £3,000.

Gallery manager Peter Gilby is convinced passing shoppers will be attracted to Dan’s work.

“This homecoming show will be very special – it’s where it all started for Dan,” he said.

“Since Dan went public with his artwork a few years ago, he has been met with an overwhelming response. His work unites elements of nature, religious iconography and mechanics, creating an artistic fingerprint of his own.

“Dan’s sculptures are the result of months of meticulous collecting of parts and features from all manner of different sources.

“His work defies labels, standing apart from recognised genres.”

Every Piece of Me is open to the public until this Sunday.