Art Metal Weavings - Open Designs
Open metal weavings have a vibrational quality that is captivating. The spacings seem to create a shimmer, almost like a vibrato on the violin.
They also have a visual lightness - they don't look as heavy as the tightly woven metal weavings.
And you can see the wall through the 3/4" holes, which adds another dimension of playfulness.
Please click on any image to see a larger image.
The above art metal weavings were accomplished by first melting a
brass spiral on one sheet of copper. Then both sheets of copper are colored by
melting sprinkled salt on the copper heated red-hot with a big (rosebud tip)
oxyacetylene torch. Its quite an amazing technique. The strips aren't cut until
the metal has been washed salt-free and dried thoroughly.
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| Open Wavy Weaving 30" x 48" x 1/2" copper with flame colors print pdf file |
Open Straight Weaving 36" x 48" x 1/2" flamed copper |
These metal weavings, above and below, were colored with a flame technique I call 'painting with fire'. The weavings are completely assembled and welded before I start the technique. It has a great deal of variability, which I have slowly been understanding how to control better and better.
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| Open Straight Weaving 34" x 72" x 1/2" copper with flame colors print pdf file |
Open Straight Weaving 24" x 36" x 1/2" flamed copper |
Many of these pieces have a shimmer which is mesmerizing. They seem to shift color as you move or as the light moves. In low light, they remind me of water rippled by a quiet breeze.
All weavings are sealed with either polyurethane or acrylic lacquer. I have been testing a copper weaving sealed with Krylon crystal clear outside in all kinds of northern weather for 7 years now. No green yet.