12 x 12 series C —
by Barry W. Sheehan

Description:

In this series of sculptures I start with a 12"x 12" piece of copper. I hand hammer the copper into an abstract face. I start each sculpture with no idea what the face will look like, which allows me to create an interaction between me and the copper. Every time I strike the metal with a hammer it moves in predictable and unpredictable ways. Using the unpredicted movements of the metal to my advantage in the creation of an abstract face creates the interaction. when the face has been completed the copper is given a patina. Each sculpture has a 21"x 19" outside frame and an abstract inside frame. The inside frame accentuates the features and motions of the face and elevates the copper out of the frame which gives a dynamic and three-dimensional effect. All frames are hand painted with colors selected for each sculpture.