“Folded Copper” by Steve Mitchell will be exhibited at Bliss Beads Studio & Gallery through February 4, 2012. The artist was trained as a silver smith by Neil Anderson at Fine Line Creative Arts Center in Saint Charles, IL. He invested three years designing and fabricating silver jewelry set with semi-precious stones purchased primarily at the Tucson gem shows. As the price of silver skyrocketed, Mitchell experimented with copper as a medium. He learned the technique of Fold Forming earrings and later made cuff bracelets, and those jewelry designs evolved into larger pieces such as the Triptychs using 12” to 36” copper and brass.
The exhibit at Bliss Beads is made up of these large scale copper triptychs. The artist enjoys the variety of designs that come about from annealing, using heat to patina the pieces, and never really knowing what colors are born in the process. When the copper art is complete, he applies a special wax to each piece so that the expressive colors are highlighted and will not change over time. Steve explains, “I have always been mechanically inclined. My jewelry and triptych work allows me to use my torch, hammers, saws, files, etc. in a creative and artistic way. All of my work is hand fabricated in my St. Charles studio. I enjoy the challenge of hand fabrication, and feel satisfaction knowing that each of my pieces is truly one of a kind waiting to find its way into someone’s heart and home”.
Meet Steve Mitchell and observe his art during the artist’s reception on Friday, January 13 at 6-8pm or stop by the gallery during regular business hours. All gallery events are free to attend and all are welcome. Bliss Beads is located at 161 E. Lincoln Hwy, downtown DeKalb. For more information call 815-517-0164 or visit www.blissbeadstudio.com
