razr, I like your analogy of "mechanical sculpture". Although I became familiar with firearms at a young age, my biggest love was cars, followed by motorcycles, and later on Peterbilts.
But during that time, I've always owned a gun or two and in the last decade or so the number of guns I own has surpassed the number of Mustangs I have ever owned.
I've grown to love the mechanical simplicity of a revolver, which I equate to an old, bare bones Harley. No fairings or gauges. The exposed engine and tranny revealing the essential basics of a functioning machine.
I have always refered to my long, polished .44 mag as my "coffee table gun". Too big to carry concealed, but enjoy displaying it occasionally.
From this point forward, the word "sculpture" will come to mind whenever I handle it.