Quick Ship Metals News-Blog

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 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