John Hutchens – Continental Drift

Description

My journey into self-expression began as a second act—an unexpected turn following a career in financial management. What started as curiosity has become a passion, propelling me into creative realms I never imagined. As Ian Fleming wryly noted, you only live twice. At the heart of my work lies a deep fascination with the transformative power of heat. Using a torch that burns above 5,000°F, I paint with fire, coaxing kaleidoscopic jewel tones and earthy umbers from raw copper. This creative process is a suspenseful dance between control and surrender, where elemental forces are shaped by artistic intent. I combine fired copper with dichroic glass, semi-precious stones, and exotic mineral crystals to explore the interplay of light, shadow, and dimensional relief. Through this fusion of form and fantasy, I strive to create intimate, visually arresting works that evoke wonder and invite quiet reflection.