Amy Flynn

"People sometimes ask if my Fobots (Found Object Robots) DO anything. I say yes—they make people smile. Beyond that, they're pretty lazy—but at least they won't go on a rampage while you sleep."

Amy Flynn's work is born of her twin loves of robots and flea markets. She likes to say that her work combines her two favorite things in life—making art and shopping. She strives to imbue each Fobot with its own story and personality; she intentionally makes them wonky and asymmetrical. After all, we may like our friends for their virtues, but we love them for their flaws.

Starting with authentic vintage parts that she sources from flea markets, antique malls, and auctions, Flynn lays out her finds on a large composing table, mixing and matching the elements until they look just right. She then bolts and solders the pieces together to create sturdy, one-of-a-kind sculptures. Each Fobot has its own name, number, and date of birth, along with a metal heart inside, like the Tin Man.

After receiving a degree in illustration and graphic design in 1982, Amy Flynn spent 27 years as a successful illustrator, working for companies such as Hallmark, Current, and American Greetings, as well as illustrating several children's books. But as far as the Fobots go, she is completely self-taught, and is much happier making her little robot friends than she ever was as an illustrator.