Chris Zielski’s career began in arts education but bloomed into an exploration of textiles, photography and metal. All these disciplines inform her work today as she creates collages that combine metal, etching and photo transfer. Organic objects — leaves, insects, water currents — find their way into her metal art. So do geometry and geography. One of her favorite commissions was a grid of tiles that made up a map of the Great Lakes, featured here. This work, a commission through RED DOT Project, has led Chris to further explore the creation of maps large and small — and maps are now an important piece of her business, resulting in additional commissions and sales.

Chris uses an electrolytic, environmentally-friendly alternative to acid-based etching. Each metal plate is coated with up to eight layers of acrylic glaze that creates a surface with rich color and a high gloss similar to that of an enamel, but without the use of hazardous materials. Her works reflect the environment and her processes reflect her commitment to sustainable art practices.

More of Chris Zielski’s work can be seen (and purchased) at the Endure collection launch on February 11, 2010, at www.shopreddotproject.org.