Art, Born of Fire
Fire. The element sparks sensations of heat, light, and energy; feelings of power and passion. Its beauty evokes all the intensities of nature and our own emotions.
At FireSmith Copper, we seek to capture fire’s essence forever through copper, exposing the innate hidden properties of this metal’s ancient and utilitarian origin. We are enraptured by the shared characteristics of fire and copper, brought out by the intentional application of one element to the other. Copper’s luminosity, flexibility, and surprising array of colors are brought to its surface through our freehand, flame-painting techniques.
We use copper as a medium to explore all elemental harmonies found in the natural landscapes we’ve explored around the world: wind, water, sound, rock…in a word: life. As these relationships appear in our art, they speak quietly of our artistic process and materials.
Every Work of Art is One of a Kind
At FireSmith Copper, no two pieces are identical. The designs we choose to portray are ephemeral and live momentarily in the studio. Each day brings a different motivation to the design process.
Due to the free-hand nature of our creations, there are distinctions between each work, even when a specific design is reproduced. The imperfect movement of the human hand makes the art we create all the more dynamic, exciting, and original.
Flame Painting: How We Create Our Art
We paint with fire to pull out the vibrant colors hidden within copper. Essentially, flame painting is the controlled oxidation of copper, so there is no need for added chemicals, acids, or dyes to create our dynamic artwork.
We prepare copper sheeting with hand tools to ensure a blemish-free, pristine “canvas” on which we can create our colorful designs.
We paint with flame, freehand with a torch, which allows the colors within the copper to be exhibited. We use many different gases, pressures, and temperatures which diverge from traditional metalwork to create breathtaking colors, effects, and designs.
After color is introduced, we complete the design process freehand, using various hand tools. The surface design is completed by using punches, hammers, and other common metalworking tools to embellish the image.
We handmake a wood frame, altering as needed to fit the requirements of the piece.
The finished sheet of copper is formed around the wooden frame to classically exhibit the work of art.
Finally, the finished copper piece is clear-coated to preserve luminosity, protect the design, and prevent further oxidation.
About the Artists
"Copper has an innate warmth, like a wood burning fireplace with family surrounding. We hope our copper expressions will make you feel that warmth."
-Jennah & Paul Yost, the husband-and-wife team of FireSmith Copper
FireSmith Copper is comprised of a husband-and-wife team of artists: Jennah Litecky Yost and Paul Yost. Their partnership has brought them to the peaceful, rugged beauty of the Oregon mountains. Paul’s workmanship and Jennah's lifelong commitment to art have blossomed in their copper creations. Together, with the help of family, they began FireSmith Copper in 2013.
After a childhood immersed in the arts, Jennah graduated from the University of Oregon with a degree in studio arts and a minor in art history. Jennah has a natural talent for design and an eye for color. She coaxes breathtaking images from copper while maintaining the material's organic beauty.
Paul is a carpenter who historically restores Oregon's cherished timber frame covered bridges when he’s not creating copperwork. With his carpentry experience, Paul finishes all FireSmith Copper pieces by shaping the artwork to custom-built frames. Paul has a pragmatic approach to his designs, gently inviting elegant images out of the copper.
Both Paul and Jennah contribute to the creative process from start to finish. All their pieces are handcrafted, each with their own ideas, and each with their own styles merging into an expression they are proud of.
