Click on images for full view. Artist Statement follows image gallery
The world around me is often the source of my creativity but also the copper itself. By that I mean, I like to think I am in control. But the fact of the matter is that even after all these years, it is often the copper that has the upper hand. Its volatile nature leads me to unpredictable results that are sometimes frustrating but more often delightfully inspiring.
Who doesn’t like surprises? I love how patterns develop as the weaving takes shape. Over the years I have developed chemical patinas that, when applied to the copper, change the color to a beautiful turquoise or blue patinas. That is what sets my copper work apart from other copper artists. I often enhance the color palette with oil or enamel paints. Finding the right combination of chemicals and paint that work together where one does not corrupt the other took years to figure out.
The question I most often get asked is how do you get these beautiful colors and how do you weave all the different sizes together. I answer: “Years of experience with lots of trial and error.”