Thousands of illegal weapons are recovered in the United States every year, and by law they should all be destroyed.

They are molded into steel reinforcing bars that are used to build roads and bridges in the region
 
But not all of Los Angeles's confiscated weapons are consigned to the firey furnace.

Some find their way to Victor Hugo Zayas -- who transforms them into works of art.

He has convinced the LA Police to let him have some of the illicit guns, after a personal tragedy became an inspiration.

The finished sculptures are on display in the Laguna Art Museum.

Al Jazeera's Rob Renolds reports from Los Angeles.