Why, what, where, when & how

The first Artprize took everyone by surprise: we didn't know what to make of it, honestly. It was a massive art competition with hundred of entries in different venues, primarily in downtown Grand Rapids, Michigan. Professional curators were cut out of the loop: rather, the opinion of viewers ruled the day. In the end ten works of art were judged to be best, and those artists were awarded prizes ranging from $7,000 to $250,000. I remember looking at some of the pieces, thinking "I could do that."

On April 19, 2010, I submitted a proposal for Artprize 2010:

I envision creating a tree out of copper. It will be an apple tree (scaled), about 6 feet tall, entirely composed of flame-painted copper. The trunk will be composed of copper rods brazed together with copper tubing and possibly wrapped with flame-painted copper foil. Branches will be constructed from smaller diameter rods. Leaves will be made from copper foil and copper wire mesh (using varieties of foil and mesh to depict natural variations). Fruit will be composed from crushed copper foil and hung from the branches with wire. The "tree" will be anchored to a walnut base.

My hope is that the tree will represent not only West Michigan, where apples and other fruit are major agricultural products, but also Upper Michigan, an historical source of natural copper.

I learned in early June that the Grand Rapids Public Library venue was willing to host my art. What a thrill! I knew then that I'd better get busy and actually create this sculpture.

I worked throughout the summer on the project. My friend Oscar Saucedo was a natural collaborator on the project: he not only showed me how to use the oxy--acetylene torch but also assisted with the base and with attaching the branches to the trunk and attaching leaves to the branches. It was wonderful to see something that I had only imagined become real.

The tree is made from copper tubing of different diameters, copper foil of different thicknesses, and three sizes of copper wire mesh. Copper wire, silver solder and a phos-copper brazing alloy were used in combination with a propane or oxy-acetylene torch to melt the metals together. The result is a work that is very strong. I expect the metal to oxidize with time and exposure to the weather, so that the resulting patina will add to the beauty of my sculpture.

What did I learn from this project? I learned that the Spirit moves in mysterious ways, and that I surprised myself with my efforts. Thanks to my best girl Kim for her support, to Oscar for his instruction and assistance, and to my friends for holding me In the Light.

My drawing of a tree, to be made from copper:


Copper tubing was “flame-painted” with a large propane torch.


The walnut base was sanded, drilled, and varnished.


A large sheet of copper foil was also flame-painted to create varying colors. Afterwards the sheet was cut into smaller pieces and shaped into leaves.


Here are leaves, some cut from foil and others from mesh, showing the color variations that flame painting offers.


The leaves were touched with solder at the “stem” end so that they would cling to the branches.


This is an example of a brazed weld made with a phos-copper alloy. Using an oxy-acetylene torch is rather unforgiving: the copper melts very quickly, so welds have to be made quickly and with precision.


“Grape” leaves were attached to a braided copper wire. The wire was welded to each copper tube which comprise the trunk of the tree.


Close-up of leaves developing a patina.


The tree stands about 7 feet tall, with a spread of 7 feet. It has become quite popular with our backyard birds.


Another view of the finished tree, this time with the single red apple for emphasis.


Close-up of the apple on the tree.



My collaborator, Oscar Saucedo, resting under the apple tree.


With the tree in my front yard.