In my work, I do not use any paints, pigments, inks, or dyes. Instead, I manipulate the surface of the artwork chemically to grow color directly out of it. My art is an exploration of the possibilities of copper sheet and copper patinas as a two-dimensional medium. This involves extensive experimentation, careful observation, and openness to following the materials where they take me. This medium has inherent possibilities of deep pure color, incredible levels of detail and amazing textural depth. My goal has been to gain enough understanding of the processes and interactions to allow for an advanced level of intentional mark making.
To create my art, I expose copper sheets to a variety of chemicals including acids, bases, oxides and salts. This causes the surface of the bare copper to transform into a wide range of colors and textures. There are a wide range of techniques that I have developed, some of them have similarities to traditional art techniques like printmaking, painting and ceramic glaze application, while others are are radically different from standard techniques.
This piece is my most recent work. It uses the full range of my current knowledge and techniques.
