This has been a somewhat slow summer for my art in galleries here in Santa Fe. No buyers, no $$$$, but lots of interest. Some say “How interesting the work” or ” I’ve never seen anything like this before” and it all sounds good. Maybe I am on the right track or just maybe people are polite. Whatever the case I am still building, still experimenting with color and having the journey that I like very much.

Recently I signed up for an arts & crafts show here in Santa Fe on the plaza. It has been 5 years since I have done this as the last time  sold my art work for very little profit. This time I needed a break from the world and was just happy to sit and watch people. As day one worn on I noticed that people were eating and not buying very much. My prices have gone up in 5 years and now have a very good contemporary following. I noticed people were “shopping a bargain”. I adjusted my prices and had little results in selling. I noticed that when people have a drink in hand they do not buy or a purse clutched tight they do not buy. So why are they there? Mostly to window shop and stroll. If I had a dollar for every person who said they would be back I would have done better. As it was I Broke even plus alittle. Not to pay for my time, but the intention was to watch people. I possibly will not do a show for another 5 years. Experience tells me that my direction for my art work must come from a contempory place to a contempory person. Shows are fine for nic nacks, but not for fine art. If not for the galleries, Where? If not for the crafts shows, Where. If not for the internet, Where?

Many times I wondered Why I take a direction in my work the way I do. I realized that where I started and where I am  and where I am going depends on how I work. I started making small bud vases and then went to candle sticks then to woven bowls and on the way experimented with aluminum and glass and then to aluminum bowls where I am now and now in the process of making aluminum perforated bowls(which I like to build). So as I transition from bowl to bowl I am constantly thinking of new ways to improve my work and create new works. Spending hours at night building into the early hours I stop and realize a new shape or color. For me it’s in the building, in the transition, in the journey.

This last sunday while attending a yoga class the teacher was talking about why creative people relax before creating. I realized that the creative process requires me to relax in thought before I begin to work. The way I start is to pickup up one of my tools and start very slowly to work on my metal. Then I short of melt into the work adn loose myself into the work. Time is lost, many hours can go by and I am not aware of the passing. When I use multiple tools the process becomes even more enjoyable/creative. Even a pen or pencile can start a process. These are some of the joys of my work in metal. The ideas I have for me must come out of my head and on to paper, then to metal. The for some reason call it creative a blow is made or a new work is formed.

Over the years I have worked with some very toxic chemicals.Encluding nitrates and phosphates in the patina of copper. Recently I have done away with these methods and have experimented with citric natural fruits such as grapefruit, lemon,limes,grapes and other natural acids found in nature. To my surprize some have work an dsome not. I aslo have worked with aluminum and find that to patina this metal even shoe polish works to some degree, but for now I am powder coating this metal. More to come on this subject.

    Inspired by his Russian immigrant grandfather who invented the famous 1940’s steel cigarette butt remover, Santa Fe artist Rand Marco’s art is both contemporary and functional. Sculptural form and geometric simplicity characterize each one-of-a kind Marco masterpiece. Working in stainless steel, recycled copper and diamond plate aluminum, Rand consistently creates objects of art that reflect a unique sensibility to the metal chosen. His body of work ranges from woven metal bowls to large installation pieces of steel and aluminum with glass.

Over the past 10 years in New Mexico Rand’s work has evolved in both form and function while maintaining the integrity of metal as a sculptural material.  His particular artistic evolution can be described in four different sculptural series as follows:

 Series I Accents: Copper Bud Vases and Candlesticks

Clean lines and small scale create a perfect setting for minimalist flower and candle arrangements. The patina of recycled copper in this series varies from greens to rich reds and browns. Objects in this Series range from 5 to 8 inches and are ideal luxury executive gifts.

Series II Woven Bowls:

This series began with aged recycled copper and evolved to combinations of copper and stainless steel to copper mixed with stainless steel and finally perforated aluminum. Bowls range in size from  3×5 inches to 24×36 inches . The lightness of perforated aluminum in the large bowl, a design surprise for all collectors, encourages flexibility and practicality of use.   

     Series III Unique Home Decor: Mixed Media: Aluminum with Glass

     This series combines the rigidity and variety of patterned, colored and transparent glass with the strength of polished and/or painted aluminum. Building upon geometric principles of space, each piece is a fanciful exploration of form as form.  The most fanciful object in the Series is “Metal Man”. Also included in this series is the one-of a kind square-circle-triangle which is back lit enhancing its visual beauty.  In addition garden installations of recycled copper pipes standing at 14 feet complete this Series. Also, under

development is metal wall art and contemporary garden furniture. 

    Series IV Chairs Redefined:  

 This series continues Rand’s exploration of circles, squares, and triangles through the creation of both miniscule beckoning chairs for children and oversized chairs for very design-conscious adults. Vividly- colored powder-coated aluminum accentuates the imaginative and appeals of these aesthetically-pleasing objects of art.

TO PURCHASE OR CUSTOM ORDER: Individual Series II Woven Bowls may be found at the New Mexico Museum (newmexicocreates.com). Custom orders for quantities or commissioned work may be placed directly with Rand through his website @metalsquared.com.

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