Flamed Copper; an Art Form
By Todd Wood | Homepage, May/June 2009
Metal as art has been changing and evolving for thousands of years. The
tools have changed and many of the ways they are implemented have changed,
but the materials have not. Many metals have an inherent beauty even
before being shaped by human hands. Copper is no exception. Yet as
interesting as copper is in its natural state, the real magic begins when
heat is applied to the metal’s surface. Enter Matthew Merchant, Richmond
Hill Resident and local artist. At first glance Matt is your typical
blue-collar family man; wife and kids, dog in the yard, and church on
Sundays. But what you don’t see is the artist and craftsman within. Matt
is a metal worker, it is his trade and his passion. It’s not often we can
take what we do at work and create something beautiful, but he has found a
way. Matt was born and raised in New England; Vermont more specifically.
In his own words he was “surrounded by some of God’s most beautiful work
for nineteen years.” This connection with nature sparked his interest in
art and influences many of his works today. Like many transients in our
area, Matt was brought to us courtesy of the military. After fulfilling
his obligation he remained in Bryan County having secured his most
precious treasures here, his wife and three children. Supporting a family
today in these harsh economic times can be hard enough, let alone trying
to find time to pursue your dreams as a coppersmith. He maintains however
that it is his family on whom he leans for support and reassurance, in
particular his wife. She provides the love and solid ground that allows
Matt to work successfully.
Merchant’s art was born purely out of experimentation and to a certain
extent is still being created in that same way. He has no artistic
experience outside of his current pursuits; no formal training, no
artistic lineage, however he has always appreciated art and the hard work
that goes into creating it. While working as a metal worker here in
coastal Georgia, Matt found himself working with copper as an
architectural flashing material. It is in this moment, this experience,
which first prompted him to create something for himself. The realization
came when he noted the changes the copper underwent when exposed to
extreme temperatures. Cooler temperatures brought out deep blues and
purples while hotter temperatures coerced rich golds and reds from the
metal. The angle and direction in which the flame is applied can be used
to create forms and shapes on the metal’s surface. The use of buffing
wheels and sanders can also be used to manipulate the grain of the
material, yet adding another element to the design.
As much as the initial stages of Matthew’s work were rooted in two
dimensions, it wasn’t long before he began to experiment further with
three dimensions. Texture and pattern is added through the tooling of the
metal. Matt intends that anything can be used as a tool for enhancing the
metal, everything from a masons hammer to a hardware store standard
five-in-one tool. To create one of his more popular pieces, the
sunflower, Matt uses multiple sections of copper and assembles them as a
flower and its petals, thus adding even more dimensionality to his work.
More recently Matt began to collaborate with another coastal artist,
Patrick King. Patrick’s material of choice is also from the earth, wood.
The two materials, both full of color and texture, contrast each other and
create visual interest. The meeting of the materials is through an inlay
process in which the wood envelopes the cooper inserts creating a molded
frame. Matt is taking it even further by adding wooden stems to some of
his more popular sunflower designs.
So what is it about this creative process that keeps him going?
“Unpredictable results” Matt says. Not to be cliché, but you never really
know what you’re going to get. You can only control so much. Fire as an
artistic medium is very unforgiving, but handled correctly it can lead to
a very interesting finish. However, no matter how much skill and
expertise you employ, the end result will take on a life of its own apart
from the artist’s influence. This uniqueness separates each piece and
allows them to stand on their own. No two works are ever the same.
Exclusivity in art is highly sought after and is invaluable to the
collector.
Matt’s work, like any art, is constantly evolving. Artists are always
busy brainstorming the next big idea even before their current work is
complete. These thoughts have Matt already planning his next big move, to
work more in three dimensions, particularly copper sculpture. The fact
that copper is so malleable makes it an ideal material for bending and
flexing. Future projects include candelabras, lanterns, and yard décor.
Matt is reaping the rewards as a working artist in a highly competitive
market. For local artists the lifeblood of their success depends on how
they fare at local and regional art shows. Amidst so many other artists
and craftsmen it is important to set your work apart from others. The
uncommon medium in which he works is giving him a distinct advantage.
Having sold seven pieces at his first show, Matt looks forward to his
second appearance at the Sweet Onion Festival in Glenville, May 9th.
Having the support of the community is also a big help. Matt’s work can
be found at Laurel and Cindy’s Custom Framing and Antique Shop, both
located on Ford Avenue in downtown Richmond Hill.
With so much going on in the world today, it can be hard to find time to
enjoy the things that we love; the things that make life truly special.
Matt is finding that time. A unique individual with a unique talent to
share. Matt would love to sell every piece of art he creates, but the
truth is he does it because he loves it. Not too many of us can share
that same sentiment. We often find ourselves feeling trapped by the
mundane in order to pay the bills and get by day to day. It is important
to find that outlet that lets us express ourselves honestly. Whether it
is artistic endeavors, music, literature, or simply spending time with our
family, it is essential to our growth and happiness in life.
