"I’ve always been drawn to tin. As a child, I was fascinated by my mom’s typewriter ribbon tin, and later I started collecting tobacco tins simply because they were cool. My journey with tinsmithing began after hurricane Fran in 1994, when leftover sheet metal led me to traditional tinsmithing classes at the John C. Campbell Folk School. A pivotal moment came with Bobby Hansson’s class, The Fine Art of the Tin Can, which opened my eyes to the vibrant possibilities of lithographed tin.
In 2013, I took a tin can collage class with Robert Villamagna at Pocosin Arts, and I’ve been creating tin collages ever since. Birds are a favorite subject, but I also explore abstract designs, inspired by the patterns and colors on tin cans. Using these intricate details, I even craft jewelry.
Tin cans, though technically steel plated with tin, are wonderfully versatile, colorful, and sustainable. I now teach tin collage classes and showcase my work in galleries, private collections, and local markets, including the Saxapahaw Holiday Market and the Fearrington Folk Art Show."
Sold out
