Copper, a versatile metal

Copper is sustainable, natural, resistant, malleable and aesthetically interesting. It is also hygienic because it avoids the accumulation and spread of bacteria. What else can we ask from a natural element?

Copper and its alloys have been used throughout the years for artistic purposes. Due to the metal’s physical properties, it can be manipulated into various shapes, designs and structures of all sizes. It’s known for its rich red/gold tones but in nature it doesn’t appear that way, it can be found camouflage under shades of blue, green/reddish and turquoise. In the American continent there are three of the largest copper producers in the world, Chile, Peru and the United States, followed by Indonesia, Russia and three important mines in the African continent.

Today, copper objects are an exciting trend in home décor, it’s compatible with a range of styles from modern to traditional. It can be found on everything from houseware appliances, utilitarian objects to artwork of any scale.

But how do the artists work copper?

There are different ways. Some artists work with recycled copper wires, melted or weaved to form their pieces. Others like to work with copper sheets, cutting and hammering them to obtain the final object; and the heaviest and traditional work: the use of a copper block that looks like a flat loaf and that at high temperatures becomes malleable. This block is hammered by 2 or more men until it reaches the exact thickness the artist needs. At this point the craftsman itself begin a second hammering process to create the piece he desires and finally he gives the object the finish touch that it can be bright, patina in different colors (green, blue, etc) or just rustic hammered, depending on what he wants to express……

Melting , hammering and cooling, again and again, tirelessly until the artisan achieves the perfect object he is looking for, that is admirable and as in many of handcraft arts in the world, the skill of working the copper has passed from one generation to another and in many villages throughout Latin America for example, there are “talleres-escuelas del cobre” or “workshops-schools of copper” where old artisans teach new generations techniques and tricks of the job that only the experience gives.

Copper in home décor

Copper’s versatility has allowed artists and designers to experiment and express themselves through a metal that is, in some manner, gentle and noble. Whereas other metals such as stainless steel or chrome seem cold and difficult to have at home, copper provides a warming and sophisticated touch that can be easily incorporated into any interior design scheme and, combined with natural materials such as wood or marble offers an interesting look between rudimentary, utilitarian and contemporary.

Decorating with copper elements must be done with attention to avoid extremes. The best way is to use it in an elegant and subtle manner by adding discreet accents with elements such as a candle holder, a bowl or an artwork. It’s important to have in mind that copper is a material with too much personality and presence, so be careful but daring.