PROCESS
The creative arts have been part of my life for more than 40 years. I headed off to college in the mid-sixties, where I pivoted from a sociology major to a drama major, earning an MA in Technical Theatre. After 7 years of academics and teaching, I had a solid knowledge of technical skills, including color theory, drafting, and various construction techniques, with a love of woodworking being my major emphasis.
For the next twenty years I honed my skills, specializing as a custom millworker, designing and building houses, cabinetry, furniture and a wide variety of specialty products. In 1994 I began a new career in commercial lighting where I spent over 20 years in lighting design, manufacturing and sales.
Throughout these years I continued creating art and vowed to become a working artist. Today I devote full time to generating new designs with copper and I love what is unfolding. Whole new worlds of color and expression open up with the unlimited potential of the medium I am currently using.
STEP 1 - PREPARE SURFACE
One technique: Clean and acid etch the copper plate to remove any oil remaining on the surface that would resist the applied techniques. Optional graining with sandpaper or awl or any other abrasive material.
STEP 4 - PRODUCE PRINTING SURFACE
The photo file is sent to my local printer. My printer uses a digital flatbed to apply a UV resistant ink directly on to a 3mm Palight PVC rigid board. We use Palight to produce the highest quality printing surface for the flatbed printer.
STEP 2 - CREATE CHEMICAL SANDWICH
Use a variety of chemicals applied as a wash or spatter. Dry overnight or while wet, add organic material (leaves, etc.) or found objects (string, wire, etc.) and sandwich between the subject plate and another plate. Clamp together for a few days before dismantling the "sandwich."
STEP 5 - READY TO SAFELY SHIP
The moisture resistant print is packaged in a flat box, protected from damage with the use of reinforced corners. The print is shipped from the printer and arrives ready-to-frame. It can also be adhered to any surface without a frame.
STEP 3 - APPLY COLOR PATINAS
Apply colored patinas and chemicals brushed, dripped, blotted or streamed onto the treated surface. Continue observing patination until the piece is “completed,” a moment in time as interactions progress. This “moment” is still photographed.
