A Fish Made from Cans… and a Little Bit of Imagination 🐟🌈

A Fish Made from Cans… and a Little Bit of Imagination 🐟🌈

This vibrant fish started its journey as a bunch of recycled drinks cans. Rather than heading straight to the recycling bin, these cans were meticulously cut, flattened, and turned into something entirely new and exciting!

The scales are made from the domed bases of the cans, layered one by one to create texture and movement. The rest of the fish is formed from flattened aluminium panels, which were embossed to add pattern and detail. The metal was painted using alcohol inks, which create wonderfully vibrant colours that flow and blend in unpredictable ways. Blues, purples, greens and fiery reds gradually appeared, giving the fish its shimmering rainbow body. Everything has been wired onto a wire mesh frame to hold the structure. To finish the piece, I added a few holographic sequins.

I love working with recycled materials because they invite you to see everyday objects in a new way. A simple drinks can can become texture, colour, movement — and with a little imagination, even a fish. Usually I make small items from the cans, like the butterflies and fish... it was fun to spend time creating a larger piece.

Another small reminder that creativity often starts with looking at ordinary things differently.

Rainbow Jane 🌈

Work in progress.