Jay Garrison's Artwork

My whimsical creations are one-of-a-kind hand-crafted originals.

People have fun trying to identify the parts used in my assemblages, and often ask me where I find the various items and gadgets used to assemble them. They also want to know how I go about creating something out of so many unrelated parts.

I spend a lot of free time scouring garage sales, church rummage sales, thrift stores, and flea markets for once-useful objects and pieces of objects. I then conceptualize a whimsical train, car, hot air balloon, or perhaps an airplane or motorcycle. Sometimes I will find some particularly inspiring item, and that will serve as a springboard for an idea. Other times I will have in mind a certain type of piece I want to build and will utilize what I have on hand. I work exclusively from my imagination (no sketches) and spend a lot of time cleaning and polishing the parts. Clear varnish is sprayed on those parts that are prone to tarnishing. I use bolts and screws to securely fasten the parts to each other. Nothing is welded and glue is rarely used. The result is a fun, interesting, and completely original display of mostly recognizable parts given new life in a home or office.

I began this fun hobby in the 1970’s while working as a graphic artist. Now that I am retired, I can spend my time on this fun hobby. I quit doing traveling art shows in 2012, but I did enjoy having an opportunity to travel and meet people, as well as having an outlet for my creativity.

I’ve lived in the Richardson/Plano, Texas area for forty-five years. I am married with three children and seven grandchildren, all of whom live in the North Dallas area.