Known as “The Saw Lady,” Cindy breathes life into old saws, copper, and brass. Her metal art sculptures—whether a majestic peacock or a mythical phoenix fire pit—sing of resilience and rebirth. Step into a world where scrap metal transcends into artistry, and ordinary objects whisper tales of transformation. Meet Cindy Chinn, the Midwest-based artist who wields her tools like a sorceress, conjuring wonder from discarded materials.
This page shows a variety of work I’ve created using up-cycled tools and parts I have found on my never-ending quest for “rusty gold”.
November 2023: After four years, with some stops and starts, I have completed my Peacock sculpture!
I am available to work with with you on your unique commission, large or small. You can view more of my saws and other metal art on my companion site, TheSawLady.com
Check out the metal and wood Falcon I Completed! (July 2023)
I have COMPLETED my life size metal sculpture of a peacock. Check out this project with more photos and descriptions of the techniques I used. Another completed piece is my “Phoenix Fire Pit” scrap metal sculpture.
June 2023: I have finished my 10 foot (3m) tall Scrap Metal Phoenix Fire pit (Available for sale)! Check out the view below:
In the summer of 2022, I completed a life sized art sculpture of a Sandhill Crane made mostly from cutlery. You can view my ‘progress’ blog here, and below is the completed piece.
September 2024: I worked with the Arts Council of Thayer County to bring an artist from Australia to work on a project. Jo Caminiti and I built this sculpture to honor a local icon who was well-loved for his many avenues of volunteer work. This piece stands about 6-1/2 feet (2m) tall.
Here’s a recent (July 2023) falcon sculpture I made from scrap metal and hand-carved basswood, I’ve also added a little glass and leather to make this a very mixed media project. It was a challenge, but I’m happy with how it turned out. (Available for sale)
Here are three saws I recently completed that I will be taking to a show in Doha Qatar:
Camel Oasis Saw Art
Below is a video showing my Blackbird sculpture. It is made from ceramic (body) metal (wings and frame) and glass (background). 24″ Diameter. (Available for sale)
May 2023: I have completed this “Moose” head scrap metal art sculpture, made from metal and hand-carved scrap spalted sycamore. I also made the glass eyes.
Here’s a special saw I made for the Scrap Metal Art Show in Doha, Qatar in 2019 (it was the first piece sold at the show!).
I love designing buzzsaw blades and working to build depth and dimension to the design. Here’s a recent blade made, also for the Doha show.
But I am known for my saws, which I have shipped around the world. Here’s a special design I made for Nebraska’s 150th celebration:
I also enjoy working on large ‘yard art’ and signs. Here’s a piece I made for a local family using some parts which were found on their farmstead.
When I have some ‘spare’ time, I like create my ‘SawFish’ and add to the series. Here’s a recent one I made (March 2021). This lamplighter fish is named “Geary” as you can crank his fin to make the gears move! The glass lamp also holds tea lights for when he needs to feed. You can view the SawFish gallery here.
I was commissioned to create a number of pieces for a resort in France. Part of the project was making signs to mark where visitors could see certain animals, like porcupines and bears.
I’ve had a lot of fun making a series of “Barnyard Portraits”. I collect odd metal parts and put them together in to create this fun work.
I’ve also worked with copper and brass – such as on this large 30′ x 6′ wall sculpture. You can see more photos of it on my blog.
Below are some samples of my metal art, signs, Barnyard Portraits and Saws:
Here is a selection of signage I made mostly for Parc Animalier de Sainte Croix in France:
If you would like a closer look at my crane, here’s a short video!
Here’s a video showing me on “Good Day Sacramento” – we talk about my artwork, and specifically my saw art when I auctioned off a fundraiser Fireman saw.