Contributed by Charice Chambers
Mat-Su Senior Services Gift Shop is proud to announce the addition of metal designer, Paul “Chuck” Westphale, to our line-up of outstanding creative Alaskan artists.
Westphale is redefining metal art with the use of auto-quality paints, and unusual, as well as traditional designs. His wall art designs feature Alaskan animals, including a three-dimensional moose mounted on a rendering of the state’s shape, a bear in the woods featuring a “hidden” bear within the design and assorted Alaskan sea life. Westphale does not limit himself to only Alaskan designs, nor just to wall hangings. His creations range from a large cross in the tradition of the historic Russian Orthodox faith to designer barbeques and fire pits.
His versatility mirrors the road he has traveled to reach his art. Westphale holds a degree in plant and soil services. He arrived in Alaska in the mid-80s to work at the Agricultural and Forestry Experimental Station, and then ended up taking training in heating and refrigeration at Mat-Su College. He worked on the North Slope; there he began welding gifts for family and friends in his spare time. Eventually, his hobby led to the purchase of a plasma cutting table and the discovery of his artistic side.
He continues to develop his art and is inspired by anything and everything. He credits friends with his continued artistic development. “They are constantly giving me all sorts of odds and ends of metal, and I have to ask myself what can be done with that. Then my mind takes off.” He spends a lot of time on the Internet watching YouTube. “It’s a great way to learn from other artists.” For example, Westphale has been able to incorporate hydro-graphics, an artistic methodology used by street artists, into his creations.
Producing a finished product is much more than just creating and executing a design using his plasma cutter. Once the design has been cut, it requires several days in an acid bath. The bath improves the metal’s color and helps make it easier to remove the dross, little bits of slag, that cling to nearly every cut. Once out of the bath, and with the dross removed, Westphale uses a flat disk grinder to shine the surface and take away the last rough steel spats. Many of his creations contain wavy, pebbled or unusual surfaces. These are created during the shining process, all a part of his technique. At this point, the art is ready for the easel and his airbrush. Westphale mixes all of his own paints using basic auto airbrush colors, and applies them in layers which creates rich tones and give depth to his pieces. Finally, he applies several clear coats to seal his creations. This allows pieces to be used outdoors. Pieces can be treated much as a car’s finish.
Today his art pieces are sold throughout the US, and now in the MSSS gift shop located at 1132 S. Chugach in Palmer. Not only can you take advantage of his art at special senior pricing, but he will create custom items for you as well. Stop by to view his collection Monday through Friday 10am to 2pm.
