Politics is an odd game. It’s rife with scheming, conniving and spin which creates a vacuum where the Truth finds it difficult to exist. Although I might not like some politicians, I do respect them for the challenges they have to face within their profession. There have been some great politicians during the course of my lifetime; politicians I admire for the level of the game they play, and how they play it. Barack Obama is one of them and I wanted to try and capture some of his spirit on steel.
Barack has done his best to position himself as a candidate of hope and has arguably run a comparatively positive campaign. He’s is obviously an intelligent man and a powerful orator yet along with these gifts — the more I learned about the guy — I found a man with generous charm, confident humility, a good sense of humor and a sincere smile.
I know he’s only human and as fallible as the rest of us but nevertheless, a part of me hopes he’ll be the leader that takes America and humanity along our first earnest steps towards mainstream rational economic sanity and responsible environmental stewardship. Time will tell.
Process
A few months ago I decided I wanted to capture Obama on steel. This piece was weathered and rusted over 2 months in the rains of the Rocky Mountains. Areas of the steel are protected and others are left exposed. The exposed areas corrode as the weather hits the metal. Once I like the composition of the rust, I then apply a sealer so that the steel will stop rusting. The entire process is natural and no harsh acids or faux rust paints are used.
Limited Edition
A limited edition of 10 of this piece will be made available. Each of which will feature the same image, yet the natural corrosion process means that no two pieces can ever rust the same. This has the effect of making each piece the same, yet unique.
Ordering & Availability
Check pricing and availability.
More images
Mike Benson
Nice work Danno, as always.
design
This art work is from a talented friend and former colleague of mine. Enjoy!
Danno
Right on, thanks fellas.
Pat
dang. Those look absolutely stunning.