Crafting cans for good

It’s no secret that engaging in or with the arts in some way helps to lower stress and boost mental wellbeing. One veteran in the US has been taking his crafting skills to the next level by decorating the outside of aerosol spray paint cans. 

As reported by CBS, Colin Hoffman transforms the aerosols into “Killer Cans” – displayed as vibrant monsters, although Hoffman sees them more as warding off evil spirits than evil themselves. 

He says that the act of creating the Killer Cans has helped ward off his own demons; having served as a marine between 1991 and 1993, Hoffman retired after an injury and was diagnosed with PTSD after. His creations have since found an audience at the Veteran Comic Con, an event which looks to create mental health support for veterans and use “art as therapy” within its community. 

Hoffmann’s cans certainly have huge personalities and serve as a visual reminder of not only personal struggles but the healing impact of art and the act of overcoming those struggles.

Although I don’t consider myself as creative as Hoffmann in terms of ‘crafting,’ when I do engage with a creative hobby, I feel the relaxing effects almost instantly. During my recent week off, reading, journalling and creating some interior design plans for my spare room brought me a lot of joy. It’s therefore not surprising that the latest Do It With Cans blog also made me smile – in it, Nigel Higgins refurbishes a coffee table with wood stain and furniture paint in cans, to create a new reading nook area.

This, as well as Hoffman’s story, serve as an important reminder that cans continue to play a leading part in upcycling, repurposing and art projects, all for the good of our mental health.

Alex Rivers (she/her), CanTech International editor
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