Conversations with Jay Tamlin

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jay Tamlin.

Hi Jay, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My name is Jay Tamlin and I live in Loveland Colorado and I am also a Colorado Native, I have been an artist all my life using whatever I can find to make my art come to life, in 1996 I quit my job and went self employed with a business partner but that venture didn`t work out. In 1997 I started a welding and fabrication company and ran that business for 20 years, I made everything custom that you can think of, antique motorcycle parts, as well as antique car and bicycle parts, wrought iron products and more. I closed my shop in 2015 and took on the role of an hourly employee, well that is not creative enough for me and on December 23rd of 2023 I decided to make an Octopus and well that decision was one of the best decisions that I have made in my life. in 2024 my very first year as a steel sculptor I was able to join in with Sculpture in the park show and sale, I actually made three sales at the show, the Octopus was one of my sales, I also applied and got accepted into 20 world wide publications for the arts, I also applied to the Magic Valley Art and Soul, my art displayed for the month of June, this took place in Twin Falls Idaho, then in November I was invited to show my sculptures in Venice Italy, so I sent my Dragon and The Joker to Venice for a three week exhibition, very exiting. I have not been as bountiful in 2025 as I have slowed down a bit, however I am still creating one of as kind masterpieces that I am very proud of. I have just returned from the Magic Valley art show for 2025 and I am preparing for the Sculpture in the Park show and sale 2025 in August. This show takes place at Benson Sculpture Park in Loveland Colorado August 8th, 9th, and 10th and is definatly worth seeing. I am hoping to continue on this journey for a long time to come.

Jay Tamlin
Fantasy Iron Shop

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
A smooth road it is not, however there are opportunities around every bend in the arts , one of the struggles is having inventory for the shows, so it limits sales as most of my products are on reserve for the Sculpture show in August, the other hurtle would be time, as it keeps ticking away

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am into realism for my art, weather I am airbrushing, wood carving or welding a steel sculpture I want it to look correct and as real as can be, this really makes me happy

Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
I like to listen to classical music when I am creating, it helps to block out everything that is not relevant for the task at hand

Contact Info:

• Website: https://fantasyironshop.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rebeljtamlin/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557361347951

Image Credits
all photos taken by me, Jay Tamlin