Emily Wamsley
Emily Wamsley was born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona. She moved to Seattle, Washington, in 1998, where she currently resides with her husband and teenage son. While she has always been a creative person, she didn’t start producing art regularly until her son was in middle school in 2017.
It was at this time that she enthusiastically discovered tin collage. She truly enjoyed the challenge of transforming the images on the tin into her own unique visions. The idea of seeing one object, but envisioning it as something completely different is very inspiring. To that end, you can often find her hunting down unique tin in thrift stores and antique shops or encouraging her friends and family to keep an eye out for interesting decorative tins.
Eventually all of that tin goes through a metamorphosis. The incredible imagination, imagery and detail evident in her work begins with the process itself. The tin with all its history will have its original form completely changed, cut, rearranged, and finally nailed to wood.
Emily's ingenuity, and natural instincts for color, layout and design are evident in her work. Inspiration for her work can come from many places. Her love of nature, children, and fanciful stories help to inform it. She is always looking forward to creating more art and growing as an artist.
Salty’s Sardines-2020, 12” x 9.5”, $500
Molly Ringwald - 2021, 10"x12", $800
Pulpo Ahumado - 2020, 8" round, $500
C. M Sardines - 2020, 12" x 9.5”, $500
Roses in Milk Glass - 2021, 10"x12", Private Collection
Dream Bouq - 2021, 10"x12", $800
Far East Sardines - 2020, 12"x9.5", Private Collection
These Won't Wilt - 2021, 10"x12", Private Collection
Senor Pulpo - 2020, 8” round, $500
Flower Pop - 2021, 10" x 12", $800
Cool as a Cucumber - 2021, 10" x 12", $800
Acme Mackerel - 2020, 8” x 10”, oval $500
Cactus Collection - 2021, 10" x 12", $800
Peli-brand Sardine - 2020, 12"x9.5", Private Collection
Oh Daisies - 2021, 10" x 12", Private Collection
You’re a new addition to the crayon box: what color are you?
I would prefer to be a blueish-green oil pastel. I love a dreamy rich teal. Pastels are softer and easy going like me.
What is your earliest memory of art?
My earliest memory of art was craft time at Sunday school. I wasn’t a fan of going but at least there was craft time!
How did you become a practicing artist?
I have always been a creative person, making gifts for friends and family. I took a class from Nia Michaels, a tin artist here in Seattle, and loved it. I was just having fun creating pieces for myself but my house was filling up! That’s when I decided to try and get my work into some local cafes and galleries. That was 5 years ago.
What drew you toward using tin as a medium?
I love the finished look of tin. It’s so different from paper collage. It's bold and clean and the right amount of shine. I also like the texture of the nails and layers of tin collage.
Do you primarily use recycled tin? If so, why?
I love using discarded tins to create new art. I can’t justify buying a new tin container just to cut it up. There’s also added character on a really old tin with it’s rust, fading and scratches. There’s so much tin out there to be found! The thrift stores and antique stores are full of it. The hunt for the right tin is also part of the fun.
Can you name three other artists who have inspired your work?
I really enjoy all art. I am inspired by any and all artists that put themselves out there. I can’t name anyone specifically.
What is your favorite tool(s) to create with?
I use a sharp pair of crafting shears to cut my tin. I have to replace them more frequently than I’d like to. It’s important that the tips are sharp to achieve the detail I want in my work. I’d like to learn to use a jewelers saw but haven’t taken the time to do it yet.
Flowers, trees, plants, and animals are heavily featured in your work: are there any particular natural landscapes you draw from for inspiration?
I love plants! I’m obsessed with house plants and our backyard is a tropical paradise. I am definitely drawn to big green leafy landscapes. My husband and I often dream of living in Hawaii someday. When I come across tins with plants on them, I snatch them right up!
What does a typical studio day look like for you?
I’m very fortunate to have my studio in the basement of my house. I try to get down there most days by 1 o’clock. I’ll work until about 6 then pause for dinner. If I don't have anything else going in the evening I’ll often continue after dinner and work until 10. After 10 I think my neighbors might complain about the hammering!
How has quarantine changed your practice?
Before the pandemic I was a full-time nanny. I was limited to evenings and weekends to work on my art. I have been able to completely focus on my art this past year and a half. I know I’m extremely fortunate. It really has been amazing.