01 — The Surface
Each piece begins with weathered metal: steel left to oxidize, copper exposed to salt air, iron sheets salvaged from demolished structures. The surface is never neutral. It arrives with decades of chemical history written into its patina.
02 — The Seeing
I photograph and analyze the surface. Computer vision maps the topography of corrosion—the depth of pits, the flow of rust, the boundaries between oxides. This becomes the territory I will work within.
03 — The Design
The drawing is generated algorithmically, responding to the surface analysis. Dense linework follows corrosion channels. Open space respects intact patina. The composition emerges from dialogue between my intent and the metal's existing character.
04 — The Plotting
A pen plotter executes the drawing. The machine moves with absolute precision, but the surface resists: ink bleeds into oxidation, pen tips catch on rough patches, the metal's texture interrupts clean lines. Every imperfection is preserved.
05 — The Object
The finished work is a physical artifact. Archival ink on weathered metal. It can be held, hung, sold, lost, destroyed. It exists in the world independently of me. This is the point.