Tin man: Artist William Herberholz aims to evoke childhood memories

During my daily walk with my French bulldog, I pass Jaywalk, a Madrona gift shop that showcases local artists. The tin art hanging there caught my eye. Each piece featured enchanting little scenes crafted from vintage tin toys and other found objects.

These delightful scenarios are the creations of William Herberholz. In one piece, parts of an old picket fence and violin serve as a backdrop for Alice, the Mad Hatter and the rabbit enjoying their tea party. In another, a man and a woman, two silver-plated 1940s figures from Sicily, stand side-by-side with a tin toy rocket ship above them. Herberholz, a former Trappist monk who grew up as the last of 16 children on a sheep and cattle ranch in North Dakota, describes the pieces as “reminders of our childhood — what we had or wish we had.”

A collector of tin Americana, Herberholz was inspired by the tin art prevalent in New Mexico that often has religious connotations. “I wanted to create little scenes that have humor and playfulness. It's not cynical or self conscious.” He uses tin toys, flattened tin dollhouses, canisters and other items that span the decades from 1910 to present day. Before making his work available to the public, Herberholz lives with each piece. “If I can feel happy looking at it every day then I know I can share it with someone.”

You’ll find Herberholz’s tin art at Jaywalk, on display at the International District Starbucks (kitty corner from Uwajimaya) and at Coffee Animals for the month of April. Pieces sell for $195-$1,800. Commissions are accepted.

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