BANGKOK (REUTERS).- From custom-built motorcycles to statues of Yoda, one Thai artist is building works of art using scrap metal from Bangkok’s garbage heaps, recycling trash to create his very own treasure. A former woodcarver, Rungroja Saengwongpaisarn began working with metal in 1996 at the request of a patron, soon fusing his passion for conservation with his art and creating a distinctive style. “It’s using metal that was discarded. We are giving the material a new life by using it to create art,” the 54-year-old Rungroja said. Where some see junk, he sees raw material, salvaging discarded car parts and household goods such as woks with his team everyday. The items are then used to craft statues, models and even robots. An ancient Asian warrior snarls on one side of his gallery, which also contains a toothy dinosaur, elephants and a pensive Yoda. Recycling has paid off for the sculptor, whose works range in price from $60 to $40,000 and can take anywhere from 3 days to up t