Artist Statement

Years ago it started with a pile of jumbo paper clips. I picked up a few – I bent, twisted, wrapped and crimped until something exciting began. I made arms, legs, a head, and wings. The sculpture, now much less useful than a paperclip, was so much more fun. Once done, my artistic world was forever forged in a new direction.

Metal working became my creative scheme – I created fauna, flora and many things half-way in between. The hard-steel of paperclips led to softer aluminum wire and screen. Aluminum gave way to copper wire and ultimately copper sheeting. I found my choice material – sometimes sharp and biting, sometimes malleable and sweet. The nature of copper, simultaneously difficult and yet forgiving, taught me through calluses and cuts to always keep my skills progressing. My technique began quite simple with wrapping and bending. As sculpture became more demanding I progressed to copper-smithing and riveting.

Copper fights and bites as it forges into the shape it wants to be. Each twist of wire and blow of hammer reveals a unique soul and sculptural personality. Whether fauna, flora, or a soulful inanimate being, the metal expresses itself in a range from joyful to distressing. The delicate conglomeration of metal, wood, glass, and bits of different things, displays a full gamut of emotional range. Personality and soul take stage as a build comes to fruition. Ideas, emotions, materials, tools, and hands work together to make unique, whimsical, copper beings. I cut, shape, heat, hammer, and bend metal to create fanciful sculptures that invite a closer look.

About Alexander

I am Alexander Vermillion. I was born. I grew up. I became an artist. I am a metal sculptor. I make things with copper – they are whimsical, look at them. I have pastimes. I have hobbies. I like them. I live in the greater Seattle area. I like it. I do things indoors. I do things outdoors. I have a family. I love them. I am me. I am Alexander Vermillion.