Andy Cooperman

ABOUT THE ARTIST

Seattle based artist jeweler, Andy Cooperman, has used his medium to explore themes of geological and psychological forces threatening to erupt. These themes address issues of fragility and discovery, and as such, the work compels those who see it to reexamine, consider and to visually pry. Andy’s work is known and collected nationally for its formal elegance, attention to detail and intriguing combination of precious and prosaic materials. Through a long and varied career in the metal arts, Andy has established himself as both technically and artistically accomplished. He is past recipient of a WESTAF/NEA Fellowship for visual artists and was chosen to create the Governor’s Arts and Heritage Award medallion for the State of Washington.

ABOUT THE WORK

Andy’s work is characterized by mixed metals and soft organic forms. He frequently employs exotic Japanese alloys of fine metals. He is intrigued with the colors, textures and patinas that are possible with these alloys. Shibushi (a combination of silver and copper) for example, yields a pebbly, reptilian surface reminiscent of ostrich skin which is frequently seen in Andy’s works.

SELECTED PUBLICATIONS

Fundamentals of Metalsmithing, Tim McCreight
Encyclopedia of Jewelry Making Techniques, Jinks McGrath
Lapidary Journal, May 2006, January 2001, July 2000

EXHIBITIONS

2007 SOFA Chicago, Patina Gallery, exhibitor
2007 "What Lies Beneath," group exhibition curated by Allison Barnett, Patina Gallery, Santa Fe, NM
2006 “All School Exhibition,” Southwest School of Art and Craft, San Antonio, TX
2006 “100 Brooches.” National Touring Exhibition
2005 “Microcosmix” Patina Gallery, Santa Fe, NM
2005 “Metalisms,” Metropolitan State College Center for Visual Art, Denver, CO, national invitational
2004 “Portals,” Central College, Pella, Iowa, solo exhibit in conjunction with visiting artist program

 

Patina Gallery