The Allure of Copper: A Journey Through Nature's Palette

Why I Work With Copper

I often get asked why I work with copper. The honest answer? It’s not the easiest material to handle. It’s moody, stubborn, and unpredictable. Some days it plays nicely. Other days, it completely ignores the rules. And I love that about it.

In esoteric traditions, copper is associated with Venus — the planet of beauty, attraction, emotion, and choice. Honestly, that tracks. Copper constantly reacts to its environment: the air, the water, and the temperature. I sometimes suspect it even responds to the sound of music in my studio — or perhaps to my own state of mind.

Copper, Venus, and the Refusal to Stand Still

Like the Goddess herself, copper does not enjoy being alone or static. Unlike gold — associated with the Sun, masculine energy, authority, and permanence — copper never truly stands still. Gold holds its ground. It remains unchanged, regal, and self-contained. Copper, on the other hand, bonds easily.

It enters into relationships with air, water, and anything it comes into contact with. It continues to evolve long after a piece has left the maker’s hands: from the silky salmon and peach tones of freshly formed copper, through bright orange, into rustic browns, then deep blacks — and eventually bursting into turquoise and emerald patina over time.

From a traditional jewellery perspective, this is a nightmare.

Why Traditional Jewellers Avoid Copper

For a jeweller who needs predictability, copper can feel almost disrespectful. It is impossible to perfectly seal a transitional colour. Copper will eventually react with the sealant itself. More often than not, the result is disappointing — dull, muted, as if the Goddess resents being restrained and responds by withdrawing her beauty.

This is one reason many classical jewellers avoid copper or do not consider it a “serious” or respectable material. But for more adventurous or romantically inclined makers, this very instability opens up an extraordinary field of creative possibility.

The Gifts of Letting Go of Control

Once, during the patination process, copper gave me an extraordinary silvery-grey finish on a leaf pendant — soft, stormy, almost smoky. I have tried to reproduce it ever since, without success. Another time, it surprised me with a vivid, fiery red. I was inexperienced then and attempted to preserve it, only to lose it to an ordinary brown.

On yet another occasion, I left a freshly electroformed copper leaf on a table in the garden of my country house, deep in the forest. Over time, it developed the most delicate pastel shades of pinks and greens in the style of DEGAS — the result of its bond with the purest forest air. I have never seen such subtle colours emerge in my city studio. It was a truly beautiful bond with Nature itself.

Copper, Time, and Transformation

Copper patina can sometimes retain its colour for years if handled with care. But eventually, copper always wants to move on. It changes. It evolves. It surprises its keeper with something new.

This changeable nature closely mirrors Mother Nature herself — endlessly shifting, offering infinite possibilities. Yet unlike silver, which is associated with the Moon and reflects light back to us, copper is active rather than reflective.

Venus is playful, joyful, and unpredictable — like a young lover rather than a nurturing mother, aka Moon (silver). Copper's melting point is higher than that of silver. Just like the Goddess of love, it demands from the maker to show a lot of fire and passion before it agrees to soften and melt on its terms.

Copper invites us into an ongoing dance of movement and transformation, asking us to cherish the fleeting moment in its temporary stillness, rather than cling to permanence.

The Dance of Venus and Earth around the Sun. This pattern is formed over an 8 year period during which Venus traces a large five-pointed star (pentagram) in the sky relative to Earth. Watch reconstructed movement here: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/2Fh7F3t9lRQ. (Image source: art4infinity.com)

Why Copper is My Favourite Metal

Copper fits naturally within the Red Forrest philosophy of preserving nature talismans in their original, unrepeatable form. It mirrors Nature itself — changeable, responsive, and quietly playful. No other metal can match copper’s ability to echo nature’s rich palette, unfolding over time into an extraordinary range of colours. This expressive depth is something neither silver nor gold can fully replicate.

For me, working with copper is not about perfection. It’s about process. I don’t mass-produce. I don’t chase trends. I work one-on-one with each piece until it feels right.

Sometimes copper gives me exactly what I want. Sometimes it gives me something better than I planned. And sometimes it simply does its own thing — and I have to step away. There is a kind of trust in that. And a powerful metaphor. Nature does not rush. And it rarely repeats itself.

Neither do my pieces. That's why copper is my favourite metal.

Embracing the Unpredictable

In a world that often seeks control, copper teaches me to embrace the unpredictable. It reminds me that beauty lies in the unexpected. Each piece I create is a journey, a dance with the material that reflects my own experiences and emotions.

I find joy in the process, in the moments of surprise and delight. The way copper transforms is a reminder that life, too, is ever-changing. It encourages me to be present, to appreciate the fleeting beauty of each moment.

The Connection to Nature

Working with copper allows me to connect deeply with nature. Each piece carries the essence of the earth, the air, and the water. It is a reminder of the beauty that surrounds us and the importance of preserving it. The colours that emerge from copper are like the changing seasons, each hue telling a story of its own.

As I create, I feel a sense of responsibility to honour this connection. My pieces are not just jewellery; they are a celebration of nature’s artistry. They invite others to carry a piece of the wild with them, to cherish the beauty of the natural world.

Conclusion: A Journey of Discovery

In conclusion, my journey with copper is one of discovery. It is a path filled with surprises, challenges, and moments of pure joy. Each piece I create is a reflection of my love for nature and my desire to share that connection with others.

Copper is more than just a metal to me; it is a companion on this creative journey. It teaches me to let go, to embrace the unexpected, and to find beauty in the ever-changing landscape of life. Through my work, I hope to inspire others to appreciate the wonders of nature and to cherish the unique stories that each piece of copper has to tell.

In the end, it is this connection to the wild, this celebration of nature’s beauty, that makes copper my favourite metal. It is a reminder that we are all part of this intricate tapestry of life, constantly evolving and transforming, just like the copper I so dearly love.