CONNECT
EVENTS/PRESS
PROCESS
SCULPTURES
I combine steel and hand-hammered, welded copper to present the enamel in large-scale structures; not typical for the medium. Each piece incorporates rich tactile qualities of glossy enamel color, elaborate patterns and symbols, and luminous textural qualities of steel and copper.
View a complete list of my sculpture work...
PANELS
Glass fused to copper has an incredible range of colors and effects which are broadend by changes in light. The luminous depth of transparent and opaque layers of color and texture are unmatched by any other medium. I express my unique artistic vision through flat or shaped panels. You are truly purchasing a unique piece of art.
View a complete list of my panel work...
JEWELRY
The luminous properties of enamel paired with specially treated silver and embossed leathers commands attention. The jewelry fluctuates from bold glam-rock to intimate whimsical fun. Each is a unique, hand-crafted piece of wearable artwork created with expert craftsmanship.
View a complete list of my jewelry work...
ABOUT ME
Thank you for visiting my official website. I hope you enjoy viewing the work that is displayed here. I look forward to sharing my love for art with you, whether creating smaller and immensely approachable pieces, or bigger-than-life public art commissioned for outdoor venues. I am continually energized by the possibilities of applying a modern, open sensibility to an ancient art form. It is an evolving journey of self-discovery.
Read more about me...
View or download my resume...
PATRONS
My clients are the best! See a listing of a few of my happy customers . . .
SOCIALIZE
We look forward to to socializing with you and staying connected! We have several easy ways to do so - check em' out below:
*Got a question or comment? Contact Me!
*Product updates via email
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*Realtime updates with twitter
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LINKS
Idaho Artists
Boise Open Studios Collective Organization BOSCO
The Enamelist Society
Northwest California Enamelist Guild NCEG
Idaho Botanical Garden
Grains of Glass
Barbacoa Restaurant
Lirielle Gallery of Contemporary Jewelry and Art
Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts
Enamel Suppliers:
Enamel Emporium
Thompson Enamel
Schlaifer's Enameling Supplies
Enamelwork Supply Company
UPCOMING EVENTS
ENAMEL EXHIBIT "HAROLD BALAZS AND HIS ENAMELIST FRIENDS"
The Art Spirit Gallery of Fine Art
April 13 to May 5, 2012
Coeur d'Alene, Idaho
FIRST THURSDAY EXHIBIT
The Lisk Gallery
Thursday, February 2 to March 1, 2012
Boise, Idaho
FIRST THURSDAY EXHIBIT "AN ALTOID TINSTALLATION"
The Art Source Gallery
January 5, 2012
Boise, Idaho
EXHIBITS & PRESS
I enjoy displaying my work and discussing the process with the public. Exhibits offer a rare opportunity to share my story and thoughts behind my work.
Past exhibits and press releases referencing my work...
WELDING
I was introduced to oxy-acetylene steel welding during a graduate class at Boise State University in 1996. I immediately became captivated with creating hollow-build sculpture this way, but didn't have the equipment to continue this work until 13 years later in 2009. In 2010 I purchased a TIG welder and taught myself how to anneal, repousse and weld copper sculpture. My dream of combining my love of enamel and three-dimensional copper sculpture became a reality with my first piece, a cow skull entitled "Lone-Star Lover". Welding copper, to me, is like writing with molten gold.
Watch a video of my welding process...
ENAMELING
Enamel is the process of fusing glass to metal using temperatures as high as 1600 degrees
- Scour the copper until it gleams
- Sift, spray, or paint enamel onto the copper
- Place the copper piece into a kiln which has been heated to 1200-1500 degrees
- After the powdered glass becomes molten, flows, and fuses onto the copper, carefully remove the piece and allow it to cool
- Repeat the dusting-and-firing cycle until the desired effect is achieved - there can be as many as thirty firings
Read a complete overview and watch a video of my enameling process...
