Frequently Asked

What is the rainbow-colored metal in your artwork?
The vibrant, iridescent metal in my work is bismuth. It is a non-toxic metal that is as dense as lead, yet melts at the relatively low temperature of tin. Bismuth is one of the very few raw materials I purchase rather than source or reclaim.

How do you achieve those colors?
Bismuth naturally produces iridescent colors on its surface as it cools and oxidizes in the air. By precisely controlling thermal energy and oxygen exposure across the surface, I am able to guide the resulting color gradients. Mastering this process takes significant patience, precision, and practice.

What kind of reclaimed materials do you use?
My work heavily features found and reclaimed components and substrates, including repurposed glass, salvaged copper wire, sheet metal, wood, and plastics.

Where do you find your reclaimed materials?
Many materials start right at home, like glass bottles or copper wiring salvaged during home renovations. The majority of the copper wire I use is pulled by hand from decommissioned electric motors or gifted by friends. Wood panels and structural backing often originate from old furniture, architectural cabinets, and salvaged millwork.

What types of paint do you use?
I work with professional acrylics and, occasionally house paint. I view paint not just as an illustration medium or surface finish, but as a structural construction material. Acrylics allow for a wide range of application techniques, from energetic “wet-on-wet” blending and precise layering to structural skinning over wire forms.

Why don’t you use oil paints?
In my practice, oil paints simply don’t offer the physical flexibility my mixed-media process demands. Acrylics can be adapted as a flexible “skin” over dimensional copper forms, engineered as a structural bonding agent, or diluted as a deep wash to stain raw wood.

“Your work is so unique.”
While not a question, this is a comment I am deeply grateful to hear. There is an incredible amount of beautiful art in the world, and my primary goal in the studio is to create original, emotive forms rather than repeat existing concepts. While no single piece speaks to everyone, I am sincerely thankful for the collectors who connect with my vision.

How would you describe your artistic style?
My style is primarily abstract, accented with surrealist and impressionist elements. Rather than capturing realistic visual depictions, I focus on engineering an emotional landscape. The goal is to capture the emotion and sensation of a moment or scene, rather than attempt to document the physical.

What recurring themes or subjects appear in your work?
The core narrative subjects, or “characters,” in my portfolio are trees, homes, and flowers:

• Trees represent structural and emotional strength, support, and enduring reliability.
• Homes embody sanctuary, shelter, and the comfort of family.
• Flowers signify joy, hope, and the beautiful, fleeting moments of life.

Note: On rare occasions, I will integrate an abstracted human figure—typically as a personal reference custom to a collector’s commission.

Do you paint portraits?
I do not create traditional or realistic portraits. However, for specific commissions, I occasionally include abstracted representations of figures to tell the story and capture the personal energy or emotion of a moment.

What dimensions do you typically work in?
My standard pieces are generally 20×20 inches and smaller (including standard dimensions like 20×20, 16×20, 11×14, and 8×10). Sculptures and works built on found substrates vary based on the natural dimensions of the material and are designed to be displayed unframed. Custom architectural and site-specific commissions can be engineered to match any required space.

Do you accept custom commissions?
Yes. To maintain high-level execution and dedicated focus for every client, I limit my private and corporate commission schedule to four projects per year.

How long does a commission take to complete?
Timelines depend on the scale, complexity, and current order queue. Generally, a smaller piece takes about two months from final contract execution to delivery. Larger or site-specific architectural pieces require additional time for design, engineering and fabrication.

How should I handle my artwork?
Always pick up the piece by its frame or backing plate. Avoid touching the surface directly. Touching the bismuth crystals or wires risks physical damage, and natural skin oils will degrade and dull the surface over time.

Will the materials change over time?
Some minor flaking of the bismuth is normal with new artwork, and copper wire will naturally patina over time. This is an expected part of the artwork’s evolving aesthetic.

How do I safely mount the piece?
Verify that your wall mounting hardware is rated at or above the weight of the piece. Do not use adhesive strips, tape, or temporary hanging solutions. For heavy installations, mounting directly into a wall stud or using heavy-duty hollow-wall anchors is strongly recommended to prevent falls.

What environmental conditions are best for the art?
Do not expose the artwork to prolonged heat or high humidity. Avoid displaying the artwork in bathrooms, above humidifiers, or in unconditioned spaces.

Can I display the artwork in sunlight?
Direct sunlight will fade colors over time, including the metallic elements. Display the artwork away from direct sunlight to preserve its luster.

How do I dust the artwork?
To avoid damaging the delicate surface, use a soft-bristled makeup-style blending brush, or a bulb syringe to gently blow or brush away dust. Never use dusting cloths, paper towels, or disposable dusters, as they will catch on the bismuth crystals and wire elements, causing severe damage to the artwork.

Can I use cleaning chemicals?
Professional cleaning is highly recommended. If absolutely necessary, a lightly damp microfiber cloth can be used strictly on affected areas. Never apply household cleaners, solvents, polishes, isopropyl alcohol, or detergents to the piece. These will permanently damage the metal and acrylic medium.

How are delicate, mixed-media pieces packaged for shipping?
Every artwork is custom-wrapped using protective, non-abrasive materials such as glassine paper. As appropriate it is then wrapped in bubble wrap or foam padding. Structural elements such as corner braces or wooden crating are then used to ensure safe transit.

Do you ship internationally?
At this time, only domestic shipping options are available. For international shipping, the collector may make those arrangements. Please contact the studio for more information about international sales and shipping. 

What is your return or damage policy?
All sales of original works and commissions are final and cannot be refunded. In the event of damage during shipping, collectors have a three-day window following delivery or purchase to contact the studio to initiate a return for repair or refund. Please note, all artwork is shipped insured and may require inspection at the time of delivery.

Do original artworks come with a Certificate of Authenticity (COA)?
Yes, all original pieces and signed prints include a signed Certificate of Authenticity. All originals and commissions are also signed on the back and a record of the piece is maintained at the studio. 

How does the commission queue work, and how do I reserve a spot?
Because private and corporate commissions are limited to four pieces per year, spots are reserved on a first-come basis via a preliminary proposal and contract. Contact the studio with your concept, desired dimensions, and space requirements to start the consultation.