By Frank Ross
Anne Goddard is a bundle of artistic energy with a copper core. For the past 20 years she’s been working with metal in one way or another, and loves this versatile metallic medium. While Anne began her life’s work as a math analyst, when she got married and moved to North Carolina she added a second major in art to her math degree and her relationship with metal began to unfold.
“I was creating enameled jewelry for 17 years, but that required a lot of travel, going to art shows all over the country. My husband and I have three children, ages 13, 12 and 10 and I was ready for a change in direction that didn’t involve so much travel. I had money in the bank and a lot of inventory to sell, so I gave myself six months to experiment and find another passion,” she explained.
“I had seen a painting on a cylinder at an art show and loved it, but when I tried applying cloisonné techniques to a cylinder I had all types of problems with cracks. The cooling rate of the copper was different than the enamel and it wasn’t working for me. I tried doing some work with wall hangings on straight copper but that didn’t satisfy my creative spirit. I just started playing around with cylindrical, square and half-round structures and strips of copper, using a torch to get different colors and really liked the results. I don’t care for using chemicals, so for me the torch is the best tool for creating different colors in copper. The thing I like about applying heat to copper is surprise of color the torch can produce. You may be trying to get a particular color and end up with a different color that is just as beautiful, but unintended,” she said. 
Her work involves a number of different types of copper, from flat sheeting to various types of wire and mesh in a dazzling array of striking colors that serve to brighten any room or decorative theme. Once a piece is finished, Anne coats it with clear lacquer so the colors are sealed and the copper won’t tarnish. The source of inspiration for Anne’s art work is found in that illusive spirit that speaks softly to the individual artist. Her source for copper to follow the muse’s whispered direction is QuickShipMetals.com of course.
Anne works out of two studios in Lincoln, Nebraska and her work can be found in numerous galleries around the country. If you’re looking for an unusual piece of artwork for your home or office, check out Anne’s work at copperelementsart.com. The combination of bold and subtle colors with a variety of textures and shapes creates strikingly beautiful accent pieces that may speak to your spirit as well.
