Calisse started working with metal after taking jewelry metalsmithing classes. She started solely working with silver but quickly moved into working with copper as well. Steve, her husband, enjoyed a class he took and began working with enamel and copper as well. They started experimenting with flame painted copper wall art and after much experimentation, practice, and testing, they transferred their learned jewelry techniques to larger wall art pieces.
Painting jewelry was the start of our flame painting art. The process of learning how to move from jewelry to larger copper pieces required experimentation with various torches and techniques. Painting larger pieces requires multiple steps. While some steps can be prepared in advance, several of them must be completed in succession, requiring patience and endurance, to create unique, one-of-a-kind pieces of art.
We have different approaches to the design process. Calisse often starts with a focal point or a general design idea and then goes where the copper leads her. Other artists have said that this approach lets one’s subconscious mind create the design. Steve tends to have a more detailed design in mind and then negotiates with the copper along the way to get the design he wants. Either way, we collaborate on the process, which always creates a more complex and pleasing piece. Every piece is touched multiple times by both of us to reach the finished piece.
We are very fortunate in that we work well together and complement each other’s abilities and skills. Yet, we both can independently perform every component of the fire painting process. Our projects are brainstormed through discussion and experimentation, pushing our understanding of working with copper and producing more elaborate designs. However, given the negotiations with the copper during the fire painting process and the fact that each piece is fire painted and ground by hand, exact replication of each piece is not possible: consequently, each piece is unique.
Copper has warmth, shimmer, and vibrant colors. Our greatest satisfaction comes from watching others enjoy our art. Creating art that speaks to someone on an emotional level or that helps him or her remember where they were and who they were with when they first saw our work is what our art is all about for us.
Our art is called "flame painted copper", in which we use a propane/oxygen torch flame to paint the images onto the copper. No paints, acids, or chemicals are used. In this process, up to 14 colors , from bright yellows and greens to bold blues, purples, and browns, are oxidized out of the copper. Flame painting requires patience and a willingness to adjust our vision for the piece because the air's temperature and humidity, at times, can affect the way the copper reacts to the flame. It can be said that flame painting art is a negotiation between the artist and the copper. Creation of the piece starts with a flame drawing of the design on the copper, the application of heat from the torch flame to oxidize out the piece's required colors, and grounding of shapes and enhancements to complete the design.
The copper is purchased in 30 square foot sheets, from which shapes and sizes for a design are professionally cut. Flame painting is a multi-step process that takes days to complete, some of which once started must be completed in one session. Preparation is required before flame painting takes place. The copper's initial condition determines the process and time taken to adequately prepare it for painting. Mild scratches, or oil or grease must be removed.
Copper, as a natural substance like leather, has natural variations that offer opportunities to enhance a final design. After the copper is cleaned, the edges are sanded, and various tools and accessories are used to grind in different designs and textures. At this point, the metal is ready for flame painting. This phase of the process must be finished, with no interruptions, in one session, otherwise, the colors may fade, as the copper continues to oxidize. the final piece is sprayed with a clear acrylic or lacquer, or a layer of resin is applied to preserve the design.
Different colors and designs are achieved by varying the propane and oxygen levels to control the heat level applied to the copper. The orientation of the torch flame can be varied to achieve different design characteristics such as feathers or swirls. After the desired colors are oxidized from the copper, grinding is done to re-expose the natural copper, adding texture, design and dimension to the work. Over several days, multiple coats of clear acrylic lacquer or resin are applied to protect the piece. The final step is to mount a backing to stabilize to the piece.