Featured Artist: Chris Zielski

Chris Zielski from Cleveland Heights is this week’s featured artist. She sells at Etsy under the name CopperLeafStudios.
What is your first memory of your craft? Did someone teach you, or did you learn on your own?

I consider myself to be a collage artist primarily, although my medium has ranged from textiles to photo collage to metal through the years. My degrees are in art education, and I believe that has shaped my work more than anything else. When most art students were focused on one medium, the art ed majors had to learn a bit of everything. So my work is usually a mixture of techniques from different disciplines. I started in etched metal after researching nontoxic printmaking techniques for a high school course I was teaching. I fell in love, and have been hooked ever since!

What is it that draws you to metal?

The textures, the layers, the colors! I got to the point when working in textiles where I was trying to make the materials so crisp and perfect that I finally realized that if I wanted it to look like metal, I had better be using metal. I started experimenting with photo transfer on zinc, and began etching soon after.

How would you describe the style of your work? Does it reflect your personal style?

Hmm, the best way I can describe it is that my work is a balance between organic and geometric; it’s natural without feeling flowery, architectural without being too rigid.  I think it reflects me pretty well, I’m pretty pragmatic and not too “out there” in any one direction.

What are your inspirations? How are they expressed in your work?

I’m inspired by a lot of little things around me. Slumped glass, slate tile, silk curtains, bamboo placemats, green tea, sushi dishes, Japanese maple trees, you name it. How do they all fit into my artwork? I don’t know — but somehow they do. I’m a big believer in finding inspiration in the world around you. Going to museums and shows and looking at other artwork is great, but I think you can get too saturated with other artists’ ideas.  Sometimes you have to be quiet to hear your inner voice.

Do you have an all-time favorite creation? What about it makes it your favorite?

No, the latest project is always my baby. Doesn’t matter if it’s a huge installation or a few small tiles. Then I finish it, and move on.

When did you realize that this was more than a hobby?

The year I took a home office deduction on my taxes!! I realized just how much of my home is devoted to my business. The same year I worked with a lawyer to set up my LLC, apply for a trademark, and get my copyrights in order. That pretty much blew “hobby” out of the water for me!

Describe your workspace.

One side of my basement is set up as a tool area. I have a compound mitre slide saw, two router tables, a scroll saw, and a small jewelry bench set-up. The other side will have an etching sink and a spray booth (in progress!).  Upstairs I have a studio which holds all my materials and books, and has a little area set up as a dedicated photography spot. I have two gorgeous flat files that store finished & in-process work that are made from sock drawers from Ikea. (I don’t know what kind of socks they’re made for, but they are seriously heavy-duty! Just had to convince the salesman that yes, I needed 12!)

What is your favorite task related to your work? Your least favorite?

My favorite task depends on my mood. I like designing, but sometimes it’s good just to play with materials. My least favorite is scrubbing the metal.

Do you have artistic talents in other areas?

Yeah, I’m pretty well-rounded. I can draw surprisingly well, and my textiles have traveled halfway around the world. I also teach ceramics and photography, so I can hold my own in those areas, but not on a professional level. I hate feeling like a beginner, so I really try to master whatever I’m working with.

Tell us something about you that we might be surprised to hear.

I am quite a good salsa & Argentine tango dancer.

Where can we find your work?

Locally, Juma Gallery in Little Italy (Murray Hill Schoolhouse); Red Dot Project (downtown); River Gallery in Rocky River.

online:
http://CopperLeafStudios.etsy.com (small works for sale)
http://www.trunkt.org/CopperLeafStudios (portfolio site)
http://www.flickr.com/photos/copperleafstudios/ (works in progress, installations)
coming soon ~ www.CopperLeafStudios.net