Rest in Peace, Mr. Collins
I met Tom Collins as a high school student when he was asked to judge a school art competition. He welcomed me into his studio and taught me about lost wax casting jewelry design. He was truly a master of his art and in my humble opinion, remains unmatched to this day. I’ve never met anyone who could paint in wax and silver like him. His cherubs had souls. He could tell an entire story on a ring. His crucifixes made you believe. You are missed, Mr. Collins. Rest in peace.
Thomas Lynn Collins
April 27, 1945 – December 11, 2000
Thomas Lynn Collins was known as a master artist
and craftsman. His one-of-a-kind work has been
showcased nation-wide at Neiman Marcus to the
Jackson Hole Trader catalog. He was well known to
Dallas area jewelry designers, such as Andrea
Barnett for his craftsmanship. His work also
included carved intricate sculptures from dragons
to angels in stone and fine metals. Tom enriched
the community by mentoring art students and
teaching them how to carve in wax. In 1999 Tom
organized several artists in the community to start
the Rockwall Artists League. His family set up the
original scholarship fund upon his death for
donations instead of flowers. The scholarship fund
has been continued by the Rockwall Art League in
Tom’s memory because of his devotion to the arts
and Rockwall.
Tiny Purrs 
Lisa Collins replied:
Hi! My name is Lisa Collins. Tom was my Dad. I just wanted to thank you for the kind words about him. He was the most amazing person I have ever known. He left an everlasting impression on everyone he knew and met. It makes me very happy that his name lives on. His desire was to leave behind his legacy for me and I believe he did more than that. He loved to mentor young artists and encouraged them to follow their passions in art. I am so proud that he acheived this with most of his students and friends.
He sold and traded the majority of his best pieces, therefore I only have a few, so it’s awesome to see someone that holds one of his works. My favorites were the dragons and creatures that he made up, like the Frogus and Man Grotesque. I am still on the hunt for Man Grotesque.
Again, thank you for your post and the beautiful words you shared about the impression he left on you. He is very missed, every day.
March 9, 2013 at 5:08 pm. Permalink.
tinypurrs replied:
Hi Lisa,
It’s great to hear from you. I hope you’re well. Your dad was a very special person and I was honored to be his student. I treasure the couple of pieces I have of his, the cherub ring and another ring with the three wise men. I hope you find the works you are looking for.
All the best,
Kristen
March 10, 2013 at 2:26 pm. Permalink.