During the pandemic, 2020-2022, I continued to create art works. Being secluded allowed me to “free” my creative mind. Hence, I created this whimsical teapot. Income had completely stopped due to the pandemic, so I began to work in copper or brass.

This little teapot was quite the challenge to create. The handles are cold forged brass rod with the hammer marks left in place. The body of the teapot was etched in a mild acid solution to put the wing images on it. I saw pierced each wing and each was soldered onto the body. Once the pieces were in place and the teapot had been polished I put a patina on the surface. My hope was for it to look a bit “leathery” in appearance and I believe that I have accomplished this. And last but not least, I placed a silver, long horn beetle on the lid. This beetle was chased and repoussé and finally I applied some Mica powder to give the body some shimmer.

Date created: 2021

Materials: brass, fine silver, Argentium silver

Dimensions: 8” x 10” long x 3.5” diameter base

Photography: Image Quest Photography, Terry Weckbaugh