Mark and Jean Oberkirsch have been professional artists since 1976 when their metalworking hobby became their livelihood. Both are self taught with a minimum of formal schooling, developing skills and techniques while working in the studio. Having grown up in the Midwest, their art reflected a Midwestern theme until a trip to the Southwest in 1989 changed the direction of their art. They instantly fell in love with the beauty of the landscape and the native cultures, and tired to capture that beauty in their artwork.
Mark and Jean's artwork is a contemporary combination of copper and handmade papers with added accents of beads, cording, fetishes, metals, etc. The main subject is made of hand tooled copper. They execute the design from the back, drawing the design then turning the metal over and finishing the surface with color achieved by patination, hand painting or metal leaf. They then combine the copper with various handmade and metallic papers to achieve the desired design. When finished, their art is framed under glass, with a shadow box frame that compliment's the copper art. All work is a collaboration between the two artists, both working on all pieces together.
After 50 years of traveling the country participating in art shows and festivals, Mark and Jean are now content with a limited show schedule. Feel free to contact them to see if they will be in your area. You can see their art in two galleries in Arizona, Black Arrow Gallery in Prescott, Arizona and Madaras Gallery in Tucson, Arizona.