Death's Tarot - Bottle Cap Art

Details

In addition to traditional canvas and paper, JC Pfahl explores painting on an unconventional surface: reclaimed bottle caps. These small metal circles become miniature canvases where acrylic paint transforms discarded objects into tiny works of art. The ridged edges, worn textures, and industrial feel of each cap bring their own history into the piece, creating a dialogue between the manufactured object and the hand-painted image layered on top. No two caps are exactly alike, which means each painting carries subtle variations in shape, patina, and character. Working at such a small scale requires precision and instinct. Every brushstroke must count, and the confined space encourages bold simplification of form, color, and movement. The result is a series of pocket-sized paintings that feel part folk art, part modern miniature. These pieces celebrate the idea that art doesn’t always need a traditional canvas. Sometimes creativity shows up in the overlooked places, turning something ordinary into something worth keeping.