Wolf Dosch, 3-D Artist Extraordinaire

Copper Curiosities, Metal Art
Dec 042009

By Frank Ross

Dosch used steel, sterling and gold. For four weeks he formed, forged, brazed, oxidized, patinaed and waxed.

Dosch used steel, sterling and gold. For four weeks he formed, forged, brazed, oxidized, patinaed and waxed.

Wolf Dosch is a German-born metal artist who came to this country in 1963. He lives in the oldest city in the nation, St. Augustine, Florida, where he has spent 23 years making jewelry and selling it at shows and galleries up and down the east coast.

In 2006, Dosch decided to stop making jewelry and pursue his dream of becoming a 3-D artist, working in metal, but also incorporating other materials as the muse so inspired. His work is very unusual, spanning the creative horizon from beautiful yet practical pieces for the desktop, to striking wall art that combines shape, color and form into compelling visual art that captures and controls the eye.

This piece of wall art is made of copper, bronze, sterling and gold.

This piece of wall art is made of copper, bronze, sterling and gold.

Dosch utilizes many different metals and techniques, and while his style is readily recognizable from one to another; each has a distinctive flavor. On many you will find he has incorporated stone work, a carry over for his love of jewelry making.

Looking through the many images of his work, it is fascinating to consider that these fine works of three dimensional metal sculpture were once ordinary pieces of flat metal, purchased from quickshipMetals.com. Some say the heart of an artist beats in us all, and the only thing lacking is the courage to take the leap from inspiration to creation.

If you’ve felt that urge to take torch or tool in hand to bend, shape and mold metal into fine art; consider this a gentle push in the right direction. QSM’s customer service staff is friendly, helpful, and has literally tons of potential artwork stacked up and waiting for enthusiastic hands.

View the many photos of Dosch’s work at his web site, expressions-wolfdosch.com.

For all your metal needs, artistic or otherwise, visit quickshipMetals.com.

Posted by Frank Ross at 11:55 am Tagged with: , , , , , , ,

Rob Koehl Creates Magic with Metal

Copper Curiosities, Metal Art
Nov 242009

When Rob Koehl's torch gets hot, something exciting is going to happen, like this beautiful fish sculpture.

When Rob Koehl's torch gets hot, something exciting is going to happen, like this beautiful fish sculpture.

Rob Koehl’s takes the copper he purchases from Quick Ship Metals and transforms it into stunning works of art. Being a fisherman, I might be too biased, but the detail and texture of his work got my attention quickly.

Koehl feels that his art speaks to the practice of a mystical alchemist, seeking spiritual growth, through the process of co-creation. “The direct process of metalwork, allows me to experience the processes that shape the physical world,” he said.

In working with the copper sheeting, most pieces are cut out using a plasma cutter. Koehl likes to work fast, and the plasma cutter makes that possible be he also enjoys hammering the copper. “It fascinates me how the copper can get so hard from hammering, then soft from just heating it and putting it in water,” he said. He also enjoys welding with the MIG welder and brazing with the torches, but added that grinding can be rather therapeutic.

The detail and striking patina color can only be appreciated up close.

The detail and striking patina color can only be appreciated up close.

The salmon sculpture featured in the photograph is an original piece created by commission for the buyer’s specific interest and sizes based on the wall they envisioned it to be displayed on. Another limitation was that it had to be shipped. Koehl and the owner both agree that the pictures do not do the work justice. This piece created so much interest for his work that he created a special page to display it. The piece measures 42″ x 22″.

Koehl sums up his work by saying that if he had to name a style to his art, it would have to be called Naive American. I’m thinking something along the line of metal magic might be closer to the point. To experience the full scope of his work, visit his web site at: robkoehl.com

Posted by Frank Ross at 5:41 pm Tagged with: , , , , ,

Pete McCaskill Creates with Copper

Copper Curiosities, Metal Art
Nov 222009

Here’s another inspirational story for aspiring artists, especially those that appreciate the beauty and potential of copper.

Pete-McCaskill-1Pete McCaskill is a Quick Ship Metals customer that gives copper sheeting some very attractive twists and turns, not to mention very unique coloration. McCaskill was born and raised in Vicksburg, Mississippi where he took every opportunity to study art. Now, he feels he has found his true calling.

In his philosophy statement, he says, “Each of my sculptures represents an effort to bring into a single harmonic expression the various characteristics in the material and its form.” To achieve this he uses old pieces of driftwood and other wood he as designated “FOG” wood, because it was Found on the Ground. While some of his work is strictly wood, McCaskill also uses copper extensively, as he did with this mesquite and copper sculpture entitled “Precious Division”.

Finding just the right piece of wood often takes some time because he’s looking for just the right bend, shape and size to compliment the subject he wishes to express. “Many times it is the nature of the wood that directs me into what the finished piece will be. The wood was alive once before and I have the opportunity to bring it to life again. If I can look and ‘listen’ to its many voices, and by voices I mean all of the various characteristics of the wood, I can then bring to life a beautiful expression that is contained within,” he said.

You can view his other pieces or purchase one for your own collection, by going to http://www.petemccaskill.com/gallery.php

Posted by Frank Ross at 5:23 pm Tagged with: , , ,
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