With all of the things happening, I’m finally getting an opportunity to sit down and reflect over the last several months! Since taking Copper is My Canvas to the next level, I’ve been researching and meeting with galleries, interior designers and stores to find a good fit for my copper. I’ve learned what I want and what I don’t want. I’ve also learned that it’s always going to be a work in progress! Each person I meet leads to the next idea or relationship. I’ve been encouraged by the positive reactions to my copper art and of the creativity and feedback from my potential custom copper clients! It’s broadened the possibilities of how I can apply my craft to interiors. And, I’m excited to announce that my art is now a part of The Copper Fox Gallery in Leipers Fork! This gallery displays handmade goods and original pieces from local, regional and national artisans. I’m honored to be a part of this diverse gallery group of artists! Below are a few of the pieces that just hit the walls of The Copper Fox! You can find The Copper Fox on Instagram @thecopperfoxgallery or on the web at www.thecopperfoxgallery.com

Murals seem to be all the rage in interior design. So, that got me thinking about how my copper patina could become one of these statement walls. To create a statement wall, I can cover an entire wall with pieces of copper patina that are connected and create a uniform, seamless look. However, if I took individual copper pieces and created a design, it could be unique and interesting with the negative space in between each section! Each piece of copper would be a different size and shape that, when hung together, could achieve a beautiful statement mural!

This particular mock-up includes 11 separate pieces. I love how some are larger and some are smaller, but they fit together beautifully to create a large art installation! It’s important to consider the space when creating a design. So, depending on the room, the size, the number of pieces, and the colors of the mural could vary.  I’m excited to pursue this idea for my clients and their spaces!

These sunny days have been good for the soul! I'm back in my studio creating again! I've decided to try some new finishes and I settled on just the raw, aged copper as my favorite option for a rustic feel. While I normally use an apoxy resin for a glossy shine, I'm exploring leaving the copper in it's natural state after I patina the piece. This particular look pairs well with raw or distressed wood frames.

A recent "collaboration in the works" with wood genius, Kelly (owner of Little Branch Farm), brought to light that his customers love a rustic vibe. While the high gloss is my preferred way to highlight the colors I achieve from the aging process, I understand that some customers may prefer a different look. Well, I aim to please! So, I'll be working with Little Branch to create some great pieces with a natural vibe. 

What do you prefer for your decor? A high-gloss, colorful finish or a rustic, natural look? I guess it all depends on your interior space. I often use one of my preferred interior designer contacts to guide my custom copper clients with making final aesthetic decisions. If a client is doing a copper bar top or back splash, I always suggest the resin finish for lasting durability and use. However, we can really get creative if the aged copper is going to be used as art! That's when the different finishes (or lack thereof) can come into play! You can choose your texture! 

I'll be sure to share more about my collaborations as they come to fruition! Stay tuned!

One of the most exciting things happening in the world of Copper is My Canvas is the expansion of the commercial side of my business. I’ve made some wonderful connections recently with businesses for which I will be collaborating to grow my commercial clientele. As of this month, I am now showing my copper patina samples in Watson’s Floor Gallery in Brentwood/Cool Springs! Watson’s offers their designer customers options for various interior finishes such as laminates and tile. I hope to be a new and unique option for people seeking custom finishes. I’m intrigued to see how people’s imaginations run wild! It will provide me new opportunities to challenge myself to create their vision for their space. Check out Watson’s Floor Gallery!

Well Hello, 2019! You’re moving faster than my liking...but I am going to jump on board! This cold weather makes it harder to get motivated to go into my shop but once I do I’m in my element - creating again! The rest and relaxation of the holidays has left me refreshed to come back to my studio and do new pieces that will find their forever homes! I’ve been testing out some new methods to my patina. It’s interesting to find a balance between temperature conditions, time of patina, and methods of treatments. I use my instinct to know when a piece is finished. Some of my sample tests have lasted up to a week to achieve my desired result. I don’t mind the wait! It’s actually kinda fun! So stay tuned, NEW COLORS AND TEXTURES COMING SOON!

As the years go by, I “want” less and less. Christmas becomes more about reflection and taking time for myself. As I pause this Christmas season, I’m reminded of the unrest that still exists in the world around us. You can hardly turn on the news without realizing the pain and suffering of those near and far. I do what I can daily to keep a positive mindset - meditation, prayer, long walks, time with friends…all of these things bring me peace.

This colorful, quirky pole sits outside of my studio and acts as a daily reminder of that powerful mantra - “That peace prevail on Earth”. It might be a tall order, but I believe that’s all I’ll ask for this year - Peace. Peace for you. Peace for your family. Peace for those you love. Peace for those who are strangers. May the peace and joy of the holidays touch you on a new level this year…a level that will call you to actions of love and kindness.

God Bless,

Karla

I'm so happy with this BEFORE AND AFTER! The "Before" picture shows the raw copper after the patina process. I spent a week manipulating the copper with different methods to get these vibrant colors. The "After" picture shows the final piece after I applied ArtResin. This epoxy resin gives the colors a rich, glossy finish. Each color just comes alive! I'm extremely happy with the result! What do you think?!

I added ArtResin into my creative process because I feel it makes the colors pop and creates movement in the piece. As you walk by the finished copper piece, it's like the art is liquid and changes with the eye's position. I've been asked by other creatives about this last step of applying resin. I always say,  "It's what gives the copper life!"

-Karla

ArtResin

I always love when businesses embrace copper in their decor…especially when these businesses are local favorites! N2Skin Nashville is now featuring a copper piece in their beautiful (and relaxing) spa lobby! Thank you, N2Skin ladies! I hope you love your art piece!

In 2019, I’ll be revealing other commercial spaces featuring my aged copper in their businesses! The excitement of all of the possibilities fuels me to keep creating new pieces, new colors, and new textures in my patina! Now - back to work I go!