Re-creating their world in copper

S.J. Wilson/Observer
Gabriel Ayala with some of the work that he and his wife, Jennifer, produce. Both artists are self-taught.

S.J. Wilson/Observer Gabriel Ayala with some of the work that he and his wife, Jennifer, produce. Both artists are self-taught.

FLAGSTAFF -- The world of Jennifer and Gabriel Ayala is full of stately ponderosa pines, cacti beneath the hot desert sun and maple and ash leaves burnished to fall colors. A southwest mission complex can be found near a herd of horses galloping down the shaft of an arrow. A petroglyph gang is shadowed by a canine companion, and feathers are tied in prayer.

Gabriel, a native Puerto Rican and Jennifer, an Aleut from Alaska, enjoy living close to the land. They own a remote cabin in the mountains north of the Gila National Forest, where they lived for years without benefit of electricity or running water. They shared their space with chickens, horses and dogs, and together developed the procedure that has made them full-time artists. They recently purchased a home in Mesa, where the surrounding terrain continues to influence their work--but they have kept their little cabin in the woods.

Gabriel Ayala visited Flagstaff on Aug. 20 and 21, bringing with him an impressive selection of their work--marketed under Coyote Creek Copper. As an exhibitor in the Peshlakai family marketplace near Discount Tires on Milton Avenue in Flagstaff, Gabriel kicked back to enjoy a cool day with new friends.

"When you talk about handmade work, ours truly is," Gabriel said. "Everything is made with a selection of small tools, primarily oxy-acetylene torches.

"We are completely self-taught," Ayala continued. "We used to do woodwork, but we evolved into copper work.

"It takes a lot of work," Ayala said. "It's almost grueling, but we've learned to do what it takes to be successful. We display in over 40 shows a year. It takes a great deal of diligence to keep up with everything, including the paperwork."

But the couple has achieved success.

Ayala described the process of their work, which begins with the cutting of shapes from sheet copper with torches. Each piece is brazened and welded, and then uniquely colored under the flame. Finally, each item is sealed to protect its patina.

"I work with what I call the three 'tees,'"Ayala said. "It's all about technique, timing and temperature."

Ayala plans to design an electronic website in the near future. He said that he and his wife have no plans to market through this site, but they have learned that having one increases an artist's credibility.

"We are always being asked if we have one," Ayala laughed. "So we plan to set one up so that people can get information on how to contact us and to display our work."

Flagstaff area residents and visitors will have another chance to view and purchase the unique work of Gabriel and Jennifer Ayala over the Labor Day weekend at Flagstaff's Wheeler Park, located in front of the Flagstaff public library downtown.

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