Copper and Fire: 2018

Using manual tools and recycled materials, Byron Anderson makes things the way that they used to be made – by hand. As a boy it was natural for Byron to play with wire and as soon as he could use pliers, coat hangers were not safe in his hands.

“Wire is forgiving of mistakes and changes over time, in a good way” says Byron. With over 22 years of experience, this self-taught artist is inspired by a deep love of trees and his work is focused on the tree featured in his Scottish family crest – the Rowan Oak.

Copper & Fire is Byron’s “one big show per year”. He is excited by all the artisans who are brought together in one place and time. Byron thinks that the Museum is an unique venue as the public has different expectations than they would going to an art gallery.

This year at Copper & Fire, Byron will be demonstrating Wire Art Trees like bonsai, but Byron is quick to note that there is no water required for these trees. Byron will demonstrate various techniques that he has developed in his medium, answer visitor questions and also take requests.

Looking back at his lengthy career, Byron advises that aspiring artists “pay no attention to the critics, nor the fans; just do what your own heart calls for as you see fit.”

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

Byron Anderson's Biography

Born during late fall of 1970 in Whitehorse, Yukon Territory; this gentleman’s journey began on week-endcamping trips with his family. But in his early teens he migrated to the suburbs of Vancouver and eventually lost his connection to nature…

Then he found the place that his heart calls Home, and began searching out his destiny deep in the woods above the Sunshine Coast on high upon Mount Elphinstone. Byron re-discovered the link to his Scottish ancestors in a family coat of arms crested by a Tree resting on the motto “Stand Sure”, and was inspired to make his first trees in wire with moss.

Inspired by a deep love of trees this self-taught artist began developing these works over 22 years ago. In the way that things used to be made: by hand with manual tools, recycled materials, and creativity.