Collection: Tiny Medicine Tin Paintings

How would it feel if you could escape to a familiar place at any moment's notice? These tiny oil paintings in vintage medicine tins are uniquely made by Canadian multidisciplinary artist Shelley Vanderbyl.

Utilizing the concept of Miniscule Awe, with works as small as 3-4 cm across, Vanderbyl leverages Attention Restoration Theory (ART) by drawing the brain into its fascination mode, allowing directed attention to rest. The works in the exhibition stem from a personal project that began around 2010 involving gifting portable artworks to those suffering from Post Traumatic Stress. The recipients could access calming scenes of nature, made with great care by another human's touch. These pieces become secret portals to other parts of the world, always accessible to provide solace.

Vanderbyl's art-as-medicine project has grown significantly, reaching hospitals and care homes. Her tins are featured in the collection of the New Karolinska Solna hospital in Stockholm, and are shown in art fairs and exhibitions worldwide. A recent touring project involved bringing a case of Medicinal Paintings to elders at care homes in Sweden, providing them with a sense of exploration and adventure, even within the confines of their residence.

With inventory worldwide, free pickup is available from the item's current location; worldwide shipping is also available.

Some tins can be picked up locally in Gstaad, Switzerland following their recent showing in "The Secret Gallery" exhibition.