Norwegian Corrosion
With the copper from T-Michael’s studio as a departure point, this collaboration between Oslo Sykkelkompani, Norwegian Rain and T-Michael, celebrates the history of Norwegian copper, the ceramic works of Erik Pløen and Japanese glazing techniques.
Text: T-Michael
Photos: Yoo Sun
Copper from Karmøy, a town just outside of Bergen, was praised for its quality and purity. For several decades, the copper mines at Vigsnes accounted for 70% of all Norwegian exports.
Copper begins to corrode when exposed to oxygen and water. After approximately 4 years it starts to get a greenish or blueish patina and a more complex surface. This surface is reminiscent with the glazed surface of ceramics burned at very high temperatures akin to the cherished Matcha bowl used in the solemn Japanese tea ceremony. The surface has a complex hue and depth, caused by redox effects arising from the burning process, which gives the surface an additional metallic look.
The ‘history’ of the copper from T-Michael’s studio combined with high levels of craftsmanship is all merged in this special edition bicycle, built by hand by Oslo Sykkelkompani.
