Copper and Fire: 2018

Jim Unger is no stranger to a hard days work. He is completely self-taught other than some informal training in high school. Jim operates his business, Clayburn Copperwork in Abbotsford, BC. His pieces range from outdoor fountains and sculptural pieces to indoor wall hangings. His work is quite striking and can be viewed on his website, www.clayburncopperworks.com.

"Clayburn Copperworks offers a glimpse into our past as a community and a glimpse into our past as people. It is always an educational and entertaining day trip." - Explore Abbotsford 

He primarily works with Copper to craft 3D copper objects that are perfect for gardens and landscaping projects. Some of his items are for sale in our gift store/Company Store. Copper was first used over 10,000 years ago. Copper has traditionally be used from decorative objects to kitchen utensils, but now we use it primarily used in plumbing, electrical components, and various other construction projects.

All of Jim's pieces are handmade and unique, although admittedly modern torches, bending and shaping tools have made the job easier. "but the process of coaxing an object or a piece of art out of sheets of copper hasn't changed much." claims Jim.

You can meet Jim and view, purchase and/or watch her demonstrate at Copper & Fire on Saturday, September 15th from 10:00AM – 3:00PM. Click here for more information.

Jim Ungers's Biography

Jim Unger is a self-taught metal artist whose only real formal training was high school art class. Though always interested in art, whether it was drawing, painting, or any of a hundred forms, real life took over.

First employed as a carpenter and later opening his own cabinet shop. It was at this shop that copper first appeared for him. Jim was asked to build a cupola, a small copper-roofed structure on a barn. There was left over copper sheeting and with a little coaxing with a hammer here and there, small copper objects soon appeared.

Well, one thing led to another, and soon many copper objects have been coaxed out of many copper sheets. All though cabinet making and copper work might not seem to be related, both are forms of creativity and both require skill with your hands.

Jim's work keeps evolving and the pieces he made several years ago may not be made now, but are replaced with new fresh ideas that in turn create more ideas.