Public art and gallery-based metal sculpture practices represent two distinct approaches to artistic expression, each with unique characteristics and purposes. Public art is designed for open, communal spaces, often commissioned for urban environments, and aims to engage a broad, diverse audience. It prioritizes accessibility, durability, and interaction with its surroundings, often reflecting cultural or social themes. In contrast, gallery-based metal sculpture is typically created for controlled, indoor settings, focusing on aesthetic refinement and conceptual depth. These works cater to a more selective audience, often art enthusiasts or collectors, and emphasize technical mastery and artistic innovation.

Another key difference lies in the artistic intent. Public art often serves a communal or civic function, fostering dialogue or enhancing public spaces, while gallery-based sculptures are more introspective, exploring personal or abstract ideas. Materials and scale also vary; public art must withstand environmental factors, leading to robust, large-scale designs, whereas gallery pieces can experiment with delicate or intricate forms. Ultimately, both practices enrich the art world but operate in vastly different contexts and with distinct goals.