Silver plated copper and hand carved and cast resin.
I made my teapot out of two flat sheets of 16 gauge copper. I hammered the form out in a wood die using steel and plastic tools that I made. With these tools, I used a process called chasing and repousse, a technique that shaped the front and back of the creature with repetitive hammer blows. After soldering the two halves together, I cleaned and polished it, to prepare it for silver plating. All of the color components are made from cast resin that I carved, polished and riveted into place.
I wanted to create a piece that was playful and whimsical. Cowcrab represents the two places that have shaped who I have become, Colorado and Oregon. I chose two animals that for me, represent each state. Combined as a hybrid, it is a self-portrait. This piece has allowed me to challenge myself technically, while making me laugh. There is one element hidden underneath the spout: Holes drilled in the shape of a small crab allows the liquid to pour through the spout.
Sterling silver, resin and brass.
Fine Silver
Brass, bronze, copper, nickel and resin.