https://www.briansbenham.com/turning-scraps-into-art/From the goings-on of Brian’s shop to your inbox, here is what I have been up to!
I know it has been a solid four months since my last newsletter. There have been some significant projects going on here in the shop. I will share those in the coming months. Today, I want to discuss my mixed media exploration for the copper clocks project.
In my last newsletter, I showed off a new wall art series in which I experimented with copper, steel, and wood. That was series one. Now that I have gone even deeper into the project, I have come out with series two of the copper clocks.
The latest designs include clocks framed in an oak shadow box and treated with a shou sugi ban finish. This technique originated in Japan in the 18th century, primarily to treat cedar siding to withstand harsh outdoor elements. Charring a wood surface to render it a luxurious charcoal- black has become a more popular treatment for contemporary exteriors and indoor furnishings. I have been experimenting with this process to add a gorgeous element to these peek-a-boo clocks. The gravitas imparted by the process and finished result (called yakisugi) are the blackest I have ever gotten wood before. A dye or stain typically leaves a purple undertone to the black, so it is not a true black. These deep, rich black adds one more level of detail to the patinated copper clock designs.
The gradation in the copper backdrop’s color was achieved by sandblasting and introducing various temperatures of heat. Each temperature and time under the heat produces a different shade of oranges, yellows, blues, and purples.
The series two collections of clocks are just as much a clock as framed pieces of art. They are available now at the Hunter Wolff Gallery in Old Colorado City.
Upcoming Exhibitions
Friday Art Walk
Friday, May 1st, 2020
The Gallery may be closed, but you can still shop for art online.
Check out their website, and if you see something you like, call the Gallery to make arrangements to purchase or view the art in person. Many artists represented by the Gallery have been hard at producing new pieces in this time of self-quarantine. They get put up on the site as soon as they are available, so check back frequently.
Tentative depending on the stay-at-home Order
Fall 2020Tentative depending on Stay At Home Order
Please subscribe to my newsletter for updated dates on exhibitions we are planning as we go due to Covid-19
This Months Featured Video Project
Building a Display Shelf For A Train
Commission A Project
If you have an awesome and unique idea or want to be surrounded by beautiful, high-quality items, we should talk.
