PGH Maker Profile: Worker Bird

Sharing the stories behind the most talented creatives in my hometown of Pittsburgh, PA.

Kim Fox, aka Worker Bird, is one amazing lady who has drive and talent oozing out of every pore. We met back in April and I loved her energy and vibe immediately. We got together one afternoon last month and chatted about the inspiration behind her “tin quilts” and the trajectory her business has taken the past few years. Margaritas were involved as was her adorable Boston Terrier, Harriet, who’s never far from Kim’s hammering.

 

Kim’s ever-growing collection of tins waiting to be cut up.

Tell us a little bit about how you got your start with Worker Bird.

A few years ago my husband and I took a day-long workshop at the Society for Contemporary Craft with Robert Villamagna, a tin artist from West Virginia. I fell in love with the process that day and it has grown to what it is now.

 

Tin organized by color and shape.

What’s your favorite part of the process? Your least favorite?

I can honestly say I love every part of the process for very different reasons. Going to estate sales to hunt for tins is a favorite pastime; preparing the wood in my little workshop is fun; digging through the tins while designing the piece is challenging; and tacking in the tiny nails is a mindless task that allows my brain to run wild. And then I’m done. So each stage is something I love.

 

Finished Crazy Quilted Hearts.

What other makers inspire you most?

The crew that set me on my path – Jeff Matz, Paul Mastriani, and Sarah Collins – at Lure Design in Orlando, Florida. The amazing creative community here in PGH – strawberryluna, Redraven, Commonwealth Press, Alternate Histories, Everyday Balloons, Sapling Press, Moop, etc (damn, Pittsburgh is amazing!). I am surrounded by people chasing their dreams and that is rad. And my husband, Steven Foxbury, is the most supportive, believer-in-me that I could ever hope for. And watching him chase his dreams right now – WOW. I’m pretty in love with life these days.

 

Kim working on a custom order Pennsylvania map.

 

Harriet’s bed on Kim’s work table.

Where do you see Worker Bird in 5 years?

Same house. More tins. Making art all the time. I’d be the most fulfilled.

 

A wall of inspiration in Kim’s office.

What makes having a small business in Pittsburgh so great?

See above re: the community. I can’t say enough how amazing it is to know these people. I have always loved Pittsburgh but the last 18 months have been super special for me. I left my job in Florida and dove headlong into Pittsburgh. And these are the people that caught me.

 

Posted In create, mixed media, pittsburgh