I have always loved building things. My grandfather was the first one to put a hammer in my hand. Lucky for me, he did not subscribe to the notion that a little girl had no need to learn the proper use of tools. "Let the tool do the work" is still something I repeat in my head when I find myself rushing a project. Fort building in the woods of Connecticut, scrounging materials and designing my creations became one of my favorite things to do as a child.
I come from a family full of creative people. Combined with that was the idea of salvaging and re-purposing. One of my favorite excursions was to the Stamford Wrecking Company where just about any type of salvage could be found - a complete stockpile of treasures! As an adult, I found many flea markets that also provided the same thrill - piles of items to pick through looking for that perfect piece.
My initial creative outlet was decorating my home and making small items for myself and my family. When my children were born, I rediscovered the joy in building a fort for them with salvaged materials. Sadly, this fort was left behind when we moved to Cape Cod, but, oh yes, another fort was built! The boys are older and do not use it as much but the pure joy in designing and building it was worth it.
My folk art has been a natural evolution of combining things that I love - creating, building, wood, metal, antiques. I typically use all salvaged wood - old windows, doors, furniture that I take apart and reconfigure for my work. I have also used old metal, ceiling tins and old kitchen tins have been favorites. However, the metal items are more scarce and in order to continue the combination of wood and metal, I began to use copper and some brass. It is a constantly evolving process and
ever changing with new ideas.
I am so lucky I get to spend time on doing something that I enjoy so much. Thank you for visiting my website.
Tracy Bouton
Folk Artist
Falmouth, MA
I come from a family full of creative people. Combined with that was the idea of salvaging and re-purposing. One of my favorite excursions was to the Stamford Wrecking Company where just about any type of salvage could be found - a complete stockpile of treasures! As an adult, I found many flea markets that also provided the same thrill - piles of items to pick through looking for that perfect piece.
My initial creative outlet was decorating my home and making small items for myself and my family. When my children were born, I rediscovered the joy in building a fort for them with salvaged materials. Sadly, this fort was left behind when we moved to Cape Cod, but, oh yes, another fort was built! The boys are older and do not use it as much but the pure joy in designing and building it was worth it.
My folk art has been a natural evolution of combining things that I love - creating, building, wood, metal, antiques. I typically use all salvaged wood - old windows, doors, furniture that I take apart and reconfigure for my work. I have also used old metal, ceiling tins and old kitchen tins have been favorites. However, the metal items are more scarce and in order to continue the combination of wood and metal, I began to use copper and some brass. It is a constantly evolving process and
ever changing with new ideas.
I am so lucky I get to spend time on doing something that I enjoy so much. Thank you for visiting my website.
Tracy Bouton
Folk Artist
Falmouth, MA