The Fine Art of the Tin Can: Techniques and Inspirations

Author: Bobby Hansson
Published in 1996 by Lark Books, Ashville, NC
ISBN: 1-887374-02-7
144 pages, Index of contributing artists and collections, Supplier List, and Index

This book fulfills three mutually interrelated functions: foremost it is a photographic collection of the tin can as raw material for art work from around the world; secondly, it is a primer on how to make your own art using tin cans; finally it is an inspiration, to encourage you to think “out side of the box” whether in the area of tinsmithing, blacksmithing, metalsmithing or almost anything else.

Bobby Hansson is a member of the BGCM and attends many of the blacksmithing functions in the Mid-Atlantic area. You can always spot Bobby by his “sartorial splendor”. He brings a wealth of artistic and metalworking experience to this book. In addition he spent over 30 years as a professional photographer of art work, consequently the quality of the photography in this book is outstanding. Virtually each page has at least 2 or 3 color photographs

The book includes the work of more than 80 different artist/metalworkers, including quite a number by the author himself. Most of this is “practical art”: toys, musical instruments, jewelry, candleholders, as well as sculptures and other more traditional art.

Once you read this book you will never look at a tin can the same way again. I know it affected me that way. Now days I am always on the watch for tin cans that have a different shape or distinctive graphics. I haven’t made anything yet, but I look at the world differently having read this book. Even if you never make anything out of tin cans, this is a delightful book to have and re-visit for the sheer whimsy and delight it brings.

Book review by Albin Drzewianowski

-- AlbinDrzewianowski - 13 Feb 2008