
Bear McLaughlin
Hi, I’m Bear—born Tammara, but known by the nickname my father gave me when I was just a toddler. He said I walked like a little bear, and the name stuck. It’s been my handle ever since.
I’m a self-taught artist who found creativity in the most unexpected place—my family’s trash business. While cleaning up the property, I began salvaging scrap metal and cutting apart discarded garbage containers. I welded the pieces into sculptures and designs, then set up shop on a busy street corner to sell them. A local gallery owner, initially trying to push me away, ended up buying every single piece. I was hooked. From that moment on, I knew: I was an artist.
Over the years, my work evolved. What began as raw, welded metal art grew into something more expansive. I started incorporating acrylic paint and wood—embracing a limitless creative process. My style has changed and grown over the past 30 years, just as I have, but I’ve always stayed true to myself. Even now, my earliest collectors recognize the spirit in my latest work.
Whether you're discovering my art for the first time or you've been with me since the beginning, I promise this: you won’t be disappointed with a Bear original. Just don’t wait too long—my work is always evolving.
Thank you for reading my story—and for letting my art be part of yours
