Artist Anthony Gallaher

509-847-5019

ironbison44@yahoo.com

firedelementsart.com

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Anthony Gallaher

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Anthony Gallaher

Hello, my name is Anthony Gallaher the artist and owner of Fired Elements art and Fired Elements Jewelry. I hope you enjoy my short story and my art. Thank You

In 2009 while taking care of my terminally ill Mom, I began creating a line of wearable art out of copper, bronze, and silver clay. My Mom who always wanted an artist in the family, got her wish in her last few months of life when she was the judge, jury, and executioner of my early work.

During the years of showing my wearable art at venues throughout the Northwest, I had the privilege of meeting other copper artists and seeing their work firsthand. It was during one of these shows in the summer of 2017 when it hit me, I had to create something unusual and different in copper art. So “Salted Copper” was conceived. The following spring, Fired Elements debuted “Salted Copper” Art to an eager public.

So what is “Salted Copper”? The art of salt on copper for dramatic effects is ancient and dates back thousands of years. Salt patinas have been used to enhance and beautify copper and bronze art for many a millennium. My unusual techniques of salting copper delivers but a new dimension to a very ancient craft.

For me “Salted Copper” is a process in which salt, as tiny as fine powders and upwards of two-inch crystals are prepped then placed on a canvas of copper, brass, or bronze sheet, water is added and a catalyst to get the ball rolling is introduced. The art is sealed in a fumer with a glass viewing lid and the fumer goes to work.

In 2019 I expanded on my waterfall series and polished in a brilliant copper sun, and brushed in the rays. The striking way light reflects out of this art creates an array of vividly colorful and unusual light-changing features, which was a surprise, even to me. Although I no longer work in the metal clays Fired Elements continues to create a line of popular Jewelry. Enjoy my work and if you have any questions, comments, or ideas, please feel free to reach out.

Thank You

Anthony Gallaher

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