John Finch is turning copper working into an art that fuels his artistic abilities and stretches his imagination. Since he began working in functional metal arts, he has created everything from ultra-modern aluminum and neon clocks to hand-hammered copper range hoods. Finch's body of work to date includes table lamps inlayed with mica or stained glass, clocks, mirror frames, wall sconces, chandeliers, and floor lamps. The list continues to grow.

In late 2000 Finch relocated to southern Colorado from Minneapolis where he had attended the Minneapolis College of Art and Design. Initially studying cinematography, his interests evolved into three-dimensional neon sculpting and kinetic light art. Following art school, Finch attended the American School of Neon and learned the craft of neon glass blowing and fabrication. His reputation as a neon artist eventually led to an offer to direct the neon department of a large electric sign company.

It was during his time in the sign industry, while working closely with the metal forming department that Finch gained a desire to work with metals. In his free time, he established a studio in the northeast Minneapolis warehouse district and began creating sculptural and functional art pieces using combinations of metals, neon and recycled materials. What started as a creative outlet soon began to attract commissions from individuals and corporations as well as requests from retailers to handle his work.

Bolstered by the fact that his work was being well received, Finch took the leap of faith and left the city for the beautiful high desert of the American southwest. He purchased a turn of the century building in Trinidad Colorado and set up shop. Finding an entirely new pace and landscape, Finch's interest turned from contemporary designs and materials to more traditional styles and techniques of artistic metalwork.

Though much of the process that goes into producing his pieces is centuries old, Finch also utilizes computer technology in the designing and actual cutting of the materials. Once the metals are cut, the extensive hand work begins; each piece is hammered on hard wood stumps, formed using various hand tools and colored, in some cases, over a hot wood fire. Much experimentation has been involved in creating the patina finishes, but Finch will tell you that the process is a loosely controlled free fall, usually with very satisfying results. The unique blend of ancient techniques and modern technology, along with the artist's eye for beauty, form and function, creates for endless possibilities.

"Ive always enjoyed designing and developing well crafted objects that are both beautiful and functional. Of all the mediums I have worked in, the tactile allure of copper has proven to be the most satisfying one for me," says Finch. "I respect the integrity of copper and am continuously impressed by each piece's unique characteristics and beauty."

"I am inspired by a fascination for ancient cultures, or at least the way I imagine them to have been," Finch says. "I enjoy using basic geometric shapes, symbols and patterns to create aesthetic rhythms in form."

John has his pieces in homes throughout the U.S., in Europe and Japan.

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© 2006 JFDS