Every stainless steel emoji is one-of-a-kind and handmade in my studio. After being drawn and cut using a CNC laser, the steel emoji goes through a series of labor-intensive processes. A rigorous sanding session creates unique physical markings and is then followed by painting with fire–each emoji gets my method of painting using oxy-acetylene torches and patinas, creating physical and chemical elements which mean that no two are alike.
Stainless steel sheet metal is placed onto a cutting table where the emojis are individually cut out using a CNC laser machine. This allows for extreme accuracy and minimizes waste.
After each emoji has been cut, every single art piece goes through a rigorous sanding process to give each emoji its own physical markings.
Each emoji gets my unique method of painting using oxy-acetylene torches and patinas. I include both physical and chemical elements to ensure that no two pieces are alike.
I seal the original artwork with a 2K clear coat giving the painted emoji superior protection to ensure longevity. Once the clear coat dries, your artwork is hand sewn onto your garment giving you a piece of wearable art that captures emotion.
When it comes to originality, there are so many different aspects of each patina that make it genuinely unique. Each patina is available in either black or blue, but not just any blue- "Nick's blue." It's a color that he created while making the series STEEL SHAPES. "I was looking to create a color that would have this stellar POP off the steel," he explains. "It's incredible when you can mix color and create something unique that's yours and can't be bought."
