Art both sacred and propane

As far as artistic mediums go, few sound as fun as that used by Calisse Browne, the November featured artist at the Artists’ Studio Association’s Beachstone Gallery in Lincoln City.

Browne’s copper art is “painted” using a propane torch flame.  As the flame from the torch heats the metal, it can oxidize up to 14 colors, from bright yellow and green to bold blue, purples and browns.  The process requires patience and a willingness to adjust visions for the piece, as the air’s temperature and humidity affects the way the copper reacts to the flame.  

Once a design is flame drawn and color is oxidized out of the copper, the color can be ground off, revealing the natural copper color and enhancing the design.

Browne started “flame painting” by creating jewelry.  Interest in creating larger wall art pieces began a collaboration with her husband, Steve Browne. The couple experimented with various torches and techniques to transfer the process used on jewelry to larger copper wall pieces and their business, Metal Memories, was born. 

Fire painting large wall art pieces requires multiple steps, and while some can be prepared in advance of the piece’s fire painting, the majority must be completed in succession, requiring patience and perseverance to create the vibrant, one-of-a-kind piece of art.  

The couple is very fortunate in that they work well together and complement each other’s abilities. Their biggest satisfaction comes from watching people enjoy their art.  Creating art that speaks to viewers on an emotional level is what art is all about for the Brownes.

The Artists’ Studio Association is located at 620 NE Hwy. 101 in Lincoln City and is open Thursday through Tuesday, from 10 am to 5 pm.