I live and work on Haida Gwaii - a place that inspires the iconography that I use. Without the natural splendour that this NW archipelago affords, I could not source the creativity I employ for my line of jewelry.
In an effort to maintain the pristine integrity of this place, I choose not to work with dangerous chemicals. Instead I have discovered a method to etch on copper with salt water and electricity. The byproduct of this process is a green crystal salt and a copper brown sludge. Both of these byproducts are re-used in my studio as pigments for other art projects. The coloured patina of each piece is created with a heat treatment that is long-lasting. I apply a light paste wax and buff the piece to create a light sheen. Copper, by its marvellous nature will deepen in colour and possibly patina green bits...depending on its exposure to water and salts. To revive the shine, a quick gentle rub on a clean pair of jeans should do the trick. |