Artist Spotlight #3 - CopperLeaf Studios

The spotlight today features Chris Zielski of CopperLeaf Studios. When I joined Etsy, this was one of the first shops I came across and I've been hooked ever since. It's an honor to put the spotlight on Chris today! When I was drooling over her work, I thought it was ceramic based due to the textures and colors. Once I was able to tear my eyes from the work itself and do some reading, I realized that this is etched metal! Unbelievable...take a look and fall in love.

So, Chris, give us some background on who you are.

My name is Chris Zielski. My “day job” is an art teacher. I was lucky enough to get hired at an incredible school system but, because I was the last one in, I’ve done a lot of traveling, teaching everything from 4th grade to high school to college, often all within the same day.

Teaching has had a huge impact on my artwork. I’ve had to learn so many different medias, and often they combine in my work. I think that’s what keeps it fresh for me – the challenge of melding disciplines to create something new and unique.

What is the name of your Etsy shop name?

Copper Leaf Studios

Where else can people find you on-line or in your local area? 

Locally, I’m represented by Red Dot Project, Juma Gallery, and River Gallery (Northeast OH). I also have a few of out-of-state galleries where I wholesale. On-line, I’m a member of Trunkt.org, and Etsy.

Which Etsy Street Teams or Groups do you belong to?

Cleveland Handmade

Please tell us a little about your artwork. How did you get into working with metal? 

I was researching non-toxic printmaking techniques for a high school art class. I ended up not teaching the class again, but fell in love with the texture of etching. It took about 2 years to really understand the nuances of the processes, and then a few more to really develop my own style. But I fell in love, and never looked back!

What has been your most memorable moment selling your work?

Once I got a piece accepted into a show that ended up traveling internationally. When I finally got it back, it was sent with the placard from a show in Yokohama, Japan with the title & my name written in Japanese.

Okay, that wasn’t a “selling” moment per say… my most exciting selling moment came a few months ago when I sold a piece to Donna Penfield, the owner of the Louis Penfield House, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. She asked if she could carry some of my work, as it reflects a style similar to Wright’s architecture. He’s been my favorite since I can remember; it was such a cool compliment.

Have you taken any business classes to help you prepare for being an Etsy shop owner?

Yes, I took an incredible class called “Artist as Entrepreneur” from the Cleveland-based Community Partnership for Arts and Culture. It was a 3-day intensive class that focused on everything from branding to marketing to copyright to accounting. I highly recommend it! I believe if you take yourself seriously, others will as well.

Who or What inspires you? 

I love texture! And playing with organic things in a geometric format. Layering metal and glass and wire; etching, bending, layering, and arranging materials. Recently I’ve started using Photoshop to design new pieces, starting with either a digital photo or a sketch and pasting into it. It’s opened up a whole new world for me – it looks so close to the finished piece, it’s scary! I actually had someone send prospective clients downtown to see a piece that didn’t yet exist because he saw the sketch on-line. I had a lot of explaining to do on that one!

What are some of your current projects? 

I'm working on a commission for COSE. The piece will consist of five panels of cut copper pieces put together in a mosaic-style that forms a landscape. The finished piece will be about 4’ tall and 7’ wide (1.2m x 2.2m). This is what it will look like:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/10918904@N07/2209590807/

Another commission is an award consisting of 20 pieces that fit together to form a map of the Great Lakes that will be separated at the end of a convention and given to the 19 guest speakers, with the last piece being retained by the hosting organization.

If you could work with any company, who would it be?

Lincoln Electric! I hear they have the world’s coolest plasma & water cutters. In layman’s terms, very expensive machines that can cut intricate designs into metal. Right now, it’s just me and a jeweler’s saw.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years with your business?

Honestly, I’m not sure! I used to have it all planned out, but the more I’ve been working as an artist, the less I’ve been able to determine what will happen next. I’ve had so many opportunities that I never would have dreamt of… and many things I thought I would do that I ended up not, for whatever reason. I’ve learned to just enjoy the ride, and be open to as many opportunities as possible.

• Etsy Shop - CopperLeaf Studios
• Trunkt Portfolio

Thanks to Chris for the great interview and the great work. All I can say is that I wish my art teachers in school had been this talented. Best of luck to you and your shop!

Be sure to check in tomorrow for the next Artist Spotlight. This one will feature Susan Nelson of Capitolagirl and her "cool, upbeat, sassy and unique jewelry for women." You don't want to miss this one.

Comments

[SToNZ]

Chris' work is so beautiful. I loved learning more about my fellow Cleveland Handmade member! Great interview!

[Nicole]

Wow! What gorgeous work!

I love that it's environmentally-conscious, too.

[zJayne]

Copper Leaf Studios... One Class Act!! What a pleasure to read more about your background and I too have drooled over your talent and beautiful pieces!

This artist is very sharing of information as well...as a member of the Cleveland Street Team on Etsy..she's always offering welcomed details ..the nuts and bolts needed to succeed when you love ~art!

Thanks Chris! You Rock!!

Best,
zJayne
www.zJayne.etsy.com

[Valerie]

You're featuring my favorite artists right now. I love Chris' work. She's on my wish list for when we buy our new house hopefully this summer. I'll need to adorn the walls!