Copper and Steel Orchid Plant

This is my first sculpture in a new series. The copper blossoms were made from a piece of 1 1/2" copper pipe that once was a fire line in a sawmill steam plant. I experimented with fold forming the copper before hammering in the convex shapes. I am very pleased with the result. When I quenched the annealed copper in snow it often took on darker shades of patina along the folded areas. The roots and stems are made from a recycled political sign.

Another Cattleya orchid Plant Sculpture

Here's another sculpture of a Cattleya Orchid. This one has different pseudo-bulbs,buds, and blossoms. There are five stages of growth shown plus a very early start. The back-bulb still has a leaf attached, but it has been attacked in is weakened condition.The main sculpture is mild steel, including the buds. The blossoms are made using copper. The copper is recycled. The Rhizome and air-roots are also recycled material. I haven't decided on what kind of finish I will use.

Orchid Plant

Here's the latest addition to my Farmers Market Series. The plant is mild steel leaves, roots ,stem,and old blossom and stand. The blossom is copper, brass and stainless steel. I learned that perpendicular scratches to the stem's length enhanced the colors that occurred from the welding heat affected zone.All the materials,except a screw and a nut,and weldment are reused(by accident).