Regency copper sculpter creates catchy artwork

Previously featured in the April 20, 2006 issue of YourHub, a Rocky Mountain News supplement.

Written by Jonathan Garcia. William McClung lives at the Regency.

"If I can vision it, then I can make it a reality," William McClung said, referring to his sculpting talent. "The list is endless of the capabilities of my work."

McClung, 30, is the founder and owner of Creative Copper Works, a one-man business in Denver that specializes in handcrafted copper plant sculptures and fountains. His talent stems from listening to his grandmother's knowledge of vegetation while he grew up in California, according to his business website, creativecopperworks.com.

Interested in craftsmanship from an early age, McClung began working with copper when he took on a job installing roofing. It wasn't long before he realized what he could do with the metal.

"I started designing and creating sculptures and fountains for myself and family just to see my capabilities," McClung said. After continual practice and the realization that each piece was better than the next, McClung felt confident enough to take his talent public with an art show.

"The people at the show were impressed and verbally expressed their feelings toward my work," McClung said.

From there, local art walks began showing McClung's work. His sculptures can currently be seen in coffee shops such as August Morning in Longmont and the furniture store Trios: Inspired Living & Design in Boulder.

It was in these local stores that people began to notice McClung's work, realizing that each sculpture shared a resemblance. McClung said that he recognized the need for a name to tie all of his pieces together, thus Creative Copper Works was born and McClung began receiving clients interested in commissioning artwork from him.

McClung explained that after meeting with a client and discussing what he or she wants, he would sketch a rendering of what the sculpture might look like. After getting the client's approval, McClung would get to work.

"The shaping and forming of the copper is done through rigorous hammering, bending and heating," McClung said. "The variety of color throughout the pieces is achieved through series of heat treatments, chemical baths and patina techniques."

The sculptures he has created range anywhere from bonsai trees to flowers, priced anywhere from $30 to nearly $3000. He also does floral fountains and tile work.

"People purchase my work for many reasons," McClung said. "The biggest one is they want something original, unique, one of a kind. Something they can have in their home that no one else is going to have."

Though there are some times of the year that are busier than others, such as the winter holiday season, McClung still manages to balance college life and a part-time job with Creative Copper Works and has on occasion mixed them together. Before Valentines day McClung sold a good number of copper roses to fellow Auraria Campus students for their loved ones.

In the future, McClung hopes to earn a Bachelor's Degree in Industrial Design. And as for Creative Copper works, he will continue to develop his business and clientele.

"I always love a good challenge," McClung said, "so tackling every project I create is always very rewarding upon completion."