David Gatlin found a way to get rid of ants nests and create beautiful art at the same time: he pours 1,400-degree molten aluminum into them. When the metal dries, it creates an intricate sculpture.

While fine art and collectibles have long been considered alternative assets, these economic shifts could pose fresh challenges for artists, collectors, and dealers.

"Our recycled cast aluminum yard art has been melted down and poured into molds that retain some imperfections, allowing the ...