I had the opportunity this week to install 4 custom Copper Patina Art pieces in the North Georgia Mountains, that a client commissioned me to create. One piece was a 12” x 96” Copper Patina Wave that hung down her stairwell. Second was a 24’ x 36” Copper Patina Wall Mural that we hung on her outdoor covered porch, which I might add, overlooked the mountain vista. Stunning view!! The third piece was a 3 element copper wall art piece that featured water and a rainbow and brown trout- since this area is the fly fishing capital of the South. The 4th piece was a 24” x 24” copper patina “woven” piece that we hung above her fireplace- again, the fireplace that is on her covered porch overlooking the mountains.

I am so grateful to have worked with Sheila Leveritt on these Copper Decor pieces. She told me her vision and then allowed me creative expression to create what I felt would work for the spaces. These copper patina accents turned out really beautiful in her gorgeous homes. If you want to experience the art and the beautiful mountain vistas live, you can check out her mountain home rentals through www.nevaehcabinrentals.com. Her’s are aptly names Eagles Breeze and Eagles Crest.

All finished pieces can be seen on my Instagram site @Copper is my Canvas.

I’ve been working on a new project...a copper patina bartop for my client! I think copper can be used in so many ways inside (and outside) the home. And, why not use this unique medium as a custom bartop! For my bar top process, I seal the copper with a commercial grade bar top sealant so it will withstand use. This creates a nice, glass-like look to the top, but shows the pattern of the patina through the epoxy resin. The resin also helps it to withstand the test of time of wear and tear. Here is a picture of my process in action! I think the colors turned out beautifully! If you’re curious about counter tops, bars, back splashes, and other ideas for using copper, message me! I’m always open to new ideas for my medium.

I’m reflecting back over the past year and I’m extremely grateful for the blessings and the challenges! This year I bought a house in a new neighborhood and I’ve been enjoying “getting my bearings” in East Nashville! I traveled to Knoxville and Asheville to explore the copper market in those cities. I began volunteering at Hickory Hill farms with rescue horses and other animals, which has blessed me beyond measure! I’ve begun working with great local businesses like The Copper Fox in Leiper’s Fork, Little Branch Farm in downtown Nashville, and Watson Floor Gallery in Franklin. I have met with multiple interior designers and other industry people to introduce my copper patina as a new option for interior finishes. I’ve created custom pieces for clients...from art to vases to mirrors to bar tops! I’ve experimented with new applications for my craft and I believe I have a clear direction for 2020! I’m excited to see what the new year brings for me and Maverick! #hindsightis2020

Hello, Fall!

Summer was a whirlwind for me and my art! I moved to a new house with a new studio area for my copper and I’m currently in the process of setting up my new space! Although time has flown over the past few months, it has been productive! As you might have seen from my social media, I’ve been working a lot with The Copper Fox Gallery. They’ve been selling my art since Spring...and, WOW, have those pieces been going fast! I am excited that their clientele loves copper patina as much as I do! In fact, I just dropped off another grouping at the gallery! And, it doesn’t hurt that The Copper Fox is in a beautiful location in Leiper’s Fork! I certainly don’t mind the excuse to visit them!

You can find these (and more) in their gallery daily! I’ll keep you guys updated on my new studio’s progress, as I plan to be busy creating this Fall!

I’ve been experimenting with new techniques, shapes, sizes, and colors. I’m finding my inspiration in unique places! I’ve taken suggestions from industry professionals, been inspired by nature and it’s beautiful sunsets, and I even took some painting classes for fun...all of which have inspired me in my copper patina work. 

I’ve begun to perfect my weaving technique using strips of copper patina. I love how the colors reveal themselves in a pattern throughout the piece. I’ve molded copper pieces into waves and scrolls to be attached to a beautiful, aged wood pedestal for a standing art piece, all of which will be sold at Little Branch Farm. I’ve even done several custom shapes for clients such as a pair of boots and a sun. You can see some of my custom pieces at The Copper Fox Gallery in Leipers Fork!

Take a peak at what I’ve been doing in the workshop on my Instagram story @copperismycanvas. I’ll do my best to post things as they come available! If you’ve got something in mind, give me a call or email!

Karla

I continue to expand my techniques and listen to feedback from my clients and business partners. One recent meeting with Kelly Maxwell, owner of Little Branch Farm, went differently than I’d expected. I met with Kelly in hopes to collaborate on some custom furniture and/or accessories with him. Little Branch is a store and a “farm” for beautiful, natural wood from all over the world. He ages and creates gorgeous furniture using wood slabs, logs,driftwood and stumps. I was amazed to see the exquisite choices of wood in the aging process in his warehouse, as well as to see furniture pieces in progress.

After my tour, I showed Kelly my copper patina samples. He mentioned that his clientele would prefer a matte finish on the aged copper. Initially, I was hesitant to pursue that direction, but I decided to be open to the idea and start experimenting! I was able to master a matte finish that would keep the intensity of the colors that I enjoyed in the gloss finished pieces. I recently took some of the new matte copper back to the showroom at Little Branch Farm, and Kelly loved the result! As you can see, I chose a rustic frame for this piece, as I thought it complimented the raw look of the piece.

It’s so wonderful to partner with talented individuals and businesses who value the creative process...because it is a process! So, I’m happy to announce that you can now find my custom copper patina in the matte finish at Little Branch Farm in downtown Nashville!  They also sell internationally on their website https://littlebranchfarm.com

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!