JIM RAPISARDA

I grew up on Long Island, New York, where my early artwork reflected my roots—painting seascapes and lighthouses on stone and driftwood with oil and acrylic. In 1981, I moved to Arizona, and my new surroundings inspired me to explore a different medium: copper. Today, I live and create in the desert, where my work reflects both the landscapes and the spirit of the Southwest. I am a member of the Shemer Art Center and the Artists of Scottsdale Ranch.

My work is centered around copper, a medium that has both practical and artistic possibilities. Using a technique I developed while painting on stone, I now embellish copper in ways that allow me to capture desert landscapes and abstract designs. I apply heat to the copper with a torch, which becomes my brush, releasing patterns and colors that are always one-of-a-kind. No two pieces of copper ever react the same way, making each artwork entirely unique. The unpredictability of the process excites me, and I continue to be fascinated by the colors and textures revealed through fire.

I am inspired by the desert and the unique properties of copper itself. The metal’s transformative reaction to heat mirrors the way the desert changes with light and season. Each torch stroke reveals something unexpected, reminding me that creativity is a collaboration between artist, material, and nature. My inspiration lies in exploring these possibilities, creating artwork that reflects both the ruggedness of the Southwest and the mystery of transformation.

www.jimrapisarda.com/gallery

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