DAWN MICKEL Whippet

6” h

Handmade, hand-cut Copper Dog Sculpture

Hand colored using a torch with various heat intensities

Coated with clear polyurethane so that the copper never changes color

Handcrafted one-by-one:  no two sculptures alike

Some pertinent ordering information: Most breeds are available – all are done upon order; turn around time is often between 3-6 weeks. If you don’t see the breed you are looking for; please email or call us so that we can order your request in our upcoming Order. Requests for specific dogs can usually be accommodated –depending on the artist’s schedule, whether the breed has already been designed, and how much design work for a new design is anticipated.

A little bit of history: We first met Dawn and John at a crafts fair in the Washington DC metro area and fell in love with their work back in the early 1990’s. The Magical Animal Logo, the jumping cat, was designed by Dawn – a prominent cat design included in her copper cat collection. Black Cat Enterprises was named for their beloved rescue cat, Malcolm who was with them for over 18 years. Dawn and John’s love for animals is so apparent in their copper sculpture art. Cats, wildlife and many dog breeds are now part of the ever-expanding Collection.

Art Process: “Each of our designs in copper has been handmade in our studio - located in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia. First, designs on paper are glued to heavy gauge sheet copper; next, the perimeter is cut on a band saw; further cuts for detail are made by hand with a very fine blade and a jeweler’s saw. The paper is peeled off and the piece is palm sanded. The legs are bent in a vise, placed in a slot cut in the body of the piece, and soldered in place. Tails, legs, and ears may be annealed to make them more bendable. The piece is soaked in an acid bath over night, then washed, dried and sanded by hand with a special sanding cloth. Tails and legs are bent appropriately. They are now ready for “coloring” – the process that makes each piece unique and special. A torch is passed over the copper. Various intensities of heat bring out different colors within the copper. Many variables exist which give rise to the individuality of each and every piece. Finally, the color is fixed by applying several coats of clear polyurethane, so that the color will not change. The piece is then allowed to dry for 48 hours under heat lamps”.

Care: Little to no maintenance because of the polyurethane coating. No abrasives or copper cleaners should be used. If the piece gets dusty or dirty, dust with a soft cloth.