Artist Statement

I think of myself as a alchemist. I work on sheets of brass or copper. I initiate a pattern on the metal surface by applying a concoction of natural solutions that might include salt, ammonia, vinegar and other materials.  As the metal responds to the solutions a magical alchemy takes place. Images, patterns and textures emerge achieving paradoxical results with no obvious explanation. It’s about exploring light, texture and depth of image on a hard, flat, reflective surface.

I also like to work in the out-of-doors. The heat, cold and moisture in the air impact my work by changing the resulting colors. Sometimes images are revealed right away while others come up days later. The panel is then washed and allowed to cure.

The slow process has taught me patience. I’m fascinated with the form within a form, by the things I can and cannot control, by the happy accidents. The “found” images are an interaction between the controlled and the unpredictable. The process offers me a deeper understanding of the Buddhist way of knowing and not knowing, controlling and letting go, all lessons I can apply to my own life.

Hella Merrill

hmart2@earthlink.net           707-765-6197

Resume available upon request

I think of myself as a alchemist. I work on sheets of brass or copper. I initiate a pattern on the metal surface by applying a concoction of natural solutions that might include salt, ammonia, vinegar and other materials.  As the metal responds to the solutions a magical alchemy takes place. Images, patterns and textures emerge achieving paradoxical results with no obvious explanation. It’s about exploring light, texture and depth of image on a hard, flat, reflective surface.

I also like to work in the out-of-doors. The heat, cold and moisture in the air impact my work by changing the resulting colors. Sometimes images are revealed right away while others come up days later. The panel is then washed and allowed to cure.

The slow process has taught me patience. I’m fascinated with the form within a form, by the things I can and cannot control, by the happy accidents. The “found” images are an interaction between the controlled and the unpredictable. The process offers me a deeper understanding of the Buddhist way of knowing and not knowing, controlling and letting go, all lessons I can apply to my own life.

Hella Merrill

Resume available upon request

I think of myself as a alchemist. I work on sheets of brass or copper. I initiate a pattern on the metal surface by applying a concoction of natural solutions that might include salt, ammonia, vinegar and other materials.  As the metal responds to the solutions a magical alchemy takes place. Images, patterns and textures emerge achieving paradoxical results with no obvious explanation. It’s about exploring light, texture and depth of image on a hard, flat, reflective surface.

I also like to work in the out-of-doors. The heat, cold and moisture in the air impact my work by changing the resulting colors. Sometimes images are revealed right away while others come up days later. The panel is then washed and allowed to cure.

The slow process has taught me patience. I’m fascinated with the form within a form, by the things I can and cannot control, by the happy accidents. The “found” images are an interaction between the controlled and the unpredictable. The process offers me a deeper understanding of the Buddhist way of knowing and not knowing, controlling and letting go, all lessons I can apply to my own life.

Hella Merrill

Resume available upon request