"I’ve never found a piece of metal that I couldn’t repurpose!"

In 2018, I began using paddles I found on the beach as my canvas. For years, I’d enjoyed shaping metal, and studying the effects of heat, chemicals, and corrosion. The paddles soon became a unique way to display the resulting beauty (and surprises) of these efforts. I’ve learned that working with metal is just that — working “with” the metal. Each piece of metal has its own personality — some are pliable, some react beautifully to heat, others react to chemical etches. In many cases, control of the end result is a working partnership between the artist and the material. Like any painting or sculpture, each of my Celebration Paddles has a story behind it. I call them Celebration Paddles because the first paddles were often used to celebrate weddings, milestone birthdays, retirements, and the like. I hope their beauty and uniqueness can inspire you to celebrate something wonderful in your life. And finally, yes, a metal-clad paddle will float… usually!

GALLERIES
Scott Milo Gallery
EarthenWorks Gallery
Penn Cove Pottery, Sande Fuca, WA

PRODUCTS AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE
Celebration Paddles
Repurposed Wall Art
Birdhouse Travel Trailers

All Artwork ©Les Eelkema