David Wren CanArt

Apart from the pattern artworks (e.g. Tumbling Blocks, Diamonds) each artwork has to be sketched to full size so that I have a guide as to where to stick the hexagons.

Below are some examples of the sketches.

I scout charity shops to find old pictures with hardboard backing (I really want my artwork to be made from recycled material if possible).

If the charity shop frames aren't up to spec I will also have the final piece re-framed, but this can be expensive.

I also buy new picture frames from the local craft shop.

I source my cans from various friends (or even picking an interesting one up in the street. To make sure the cans are clean I use a mild disinfectant.

I use a Stanley knife and scissors to cut the top and bottom off the cans.

The cut cans tend to want to curl back into a can cylindrical shape, but if you drag the curled metal over the edge of a work surface a couple of times it will flatten.

A crafting die press is used to cut the hexagons.

The die is taped in position and then put through the die press.

Each hexagon is cut by hand.

For generic single colour hexagons e.g. silver (Diet Coke can) I cut these in bulk so I have a stock ready.

However, when I get to a multi-colour hexagon e.g. red-white (Budweiser can), I have to cut each piece exactly with the correct proportions of red and white. Sometimes I have to cut the hexagon 5-6 times before I get it exactly correct.

Once I have chosen a subject for the artwork I sketch it out on paper and then glue the paper to the picture frame backing hardboard. Note the paper must be well stuck down otherwise it could become detached from the backing. I use PVA glue.

Originally, I used paper with hexagons, but latterly I just use plain paper.

I am also not too precious about following the picture exactly, but it does provide a good overall guideline.

I always draw the required picture on paper beforehand to act as a guide for where the hexagons will go.

I predominantly use whole hexagons and try and match the required colours by using cans with those colours (I have built up an encyclopaedic knowledge of can patterns).

The video below shows me matching a red and white hexagon with the picture.

I always try to use whole hexagons as they are already quite small (about the size of a 20p piece) and manipulation smaller pieces is hard.

Most hexagons are cut with a single colour, but when you transition from one colour to another you need a transition hexagon with both colours (sometimes three colours are needed).

Also part of the fun is in trying to find a can which has the correct colours and cutting them in the right proportions and orientation to fit into the required picture.

However, on occasions I cannot find a can with the required transition colours so I need to cut two hexagons each of the required colours and put these back together to make a single transition hexagon.

I use a hot glue gun to stick the hexagons onto the picture.