It's been many years since I've been lucky enough to visit the Florida Keys, but I still have many happy memories of the camping and boating trips we took there as a family.
A trip to Key West is always a must and the last time we were there I found a unique artist amongst the many booths in Mallory Square where everyone gathers at sunset.
His name is Doug O'Neil and he had quit his engineering job to work on these treasures he creates out of old cans. You can read his artistic and personal philosophy above - I've kept it attached to one of the peices for the 12 years I've had it.
I found this picture of Doug and his display booth on Mallory Square, but I have no idea if he still creates his unique art anymore.
Below is a night light he created from an empty tuna can.
He uses a blow torch to cut the designs into the cans and a copper enameling type process for the finish. Each piece is unique. I purchased three of these night lights, kept one for myself and gave two as gifts.
For the lantern below he used a 20 oz. can of tomatoes. It is one of my favorite things in my home. Almost every night I have a little tea light burning in there.
It reflects beautiful patterns and it just makes me feel good to look at it and remember the beauty of the Florida Keys. And the beauty a talented artist found in the most ordinary of things, tin cans.
5 comments:
Oh wow, does this person have a website? I love that nightlight!! Hugs. Tammy
I love that the artist attaches "his story" to his works of art. I too would like to go the the Keys someday. Of course, "these" days I would be happy going anywhere but here ;0}
Take care, Sue
Those are great creations...I love how he re-uses cans!
I am one of the lucky people who recived one of the nightlights as a gift, use it every night.My guests always coment on its orinallity and beauty. thanks aging.
Oh the lantern is just lovely!
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