Etched Metal

The Etched Metal series was inspired by the scientific collections at Amgueddfa Cymru – National Museum Wales. Techniques normally used in printmaking, printed circuit board manufacturing and jewellery design have been combined in an innovative way to produce a series of closely observed images of specimens from the Zoology collection stores. Each image is drawn directly onto a copper surface, which is then etched, oxidised, sanded, scored and polished.
The oxidation process produces an outer surface layer on the plate, protecting the delicate copper image. The etched drawings play on the themes of darkness and light, encasement, detail, repetition, order and protection, all observed within the museum environment.
Each handmade plate is unique; the plates are not signed but are individually marked with an identifying series of letters and numbers, echoing the collection reference system employed by museums.