3D challenges March onward

"Copper Owl" 12"x7" paint on copper

   This is a prototype for an owl mask sculptural project made from 36 gauge copper sheet metal. Unlike my metalsmith days in Alaska, I no longer have access to the studio containing proper hammers, shaping anvils, stakes nor the heat to soften the metal for more shaping so the process of making this piece differs greatly from any metalsmithing I have ever done. While some of this was coaxed by hammering into submission with a common house hammer or rubber mallet, much of it was hand formed and refined with wooden sticks. In challenging myself further with this new material I tried painting the metal to define the owl's markings. The finished metal mask sculpture for this project will be available for purchase during Two Waters Art Alliance "Spring Fling" auction on Saturday April 6th at 7pm in the Key Peninsula Civic Center. Go to  http://www.twowaters.info/pages_events/2013_spring_fling.php for more information.