Tambwe Shows Incredible Copper Art in New York

Josephine Tambwe feza kabibi was a successful recipient of our Showcase or Sell Travel Grant to attend the Art Expo in New York.

What local artist Josephine Tambwe does with copper is nothing short of incredible.

Tambwe started her craft in 1989. After seven years of training, she was told it was time to open her own studio. She has been making magic with copper ever since.

When showing her work in shows and galleries, Tambwe is often asked how she manages to paint such vibrant colours on copper. The thing is, though, copper cannot be painted. Those bright, vibrant colours are not achieved with paint, but by heating the metal.

Copper can turn to gold, bronze, red, or other colours by slowly heating it. The slow-burning process is not for the impatient as it can take days to achieve the desired colour. You don’t colour the copper but rather use the colours that are already in it.

After successfully applying for a Creative Saskatchewan Showcase or Sell Travel Grant, Tambwe travelled to Art Expo New York 24 with many of her works.

The show was amazing. Tambwe was the only artist exhibiting copper pieces and attendees were blown away by her art. This was her first time exhibiting in New York, and the connections she made there have led to further business — Tambwe remains in talks with artists and gallerists from New York, Miami, Barcelona, and Germany.