ABOUT
Founded by Hanes Hoffman in 1997, Bluewater Copper Works creates distinctive copper sculpture and custom metalwork inspired by the beauty, character, and movement of the natural world.
"I hand-draw the shape of the fish, then cut it out with shears. The only power tool I use is a drill, to create the eyeholes; otherwise, I’m using hammers, chisels, pliers and files. After the piece is crafted, I clean the surface to remove impurities. As I work on them, the fish are flipping their tails around, making them seem like they’re alive. But then the true art comes in: I literally ‘paint’ the fish with a flame to bring out the stripes, dots and nuances of particular species."
TYPES OF WORK
Marine & Wildlife Sculpture
Fish, sea creatures, birds, and wildlife, meticulously handcrafted in copper and brought to life through exceptional detail.
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Custom Fish & Game
One-of-a-kind sculptures inspired by favorite catches, prized species, hunting traditions, and unforgettable experiences.
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Architectural Copperwork
From dramatic backsplashes to distinctive architectural details, each piece is designed specifically for its space.
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Large-Scale Sculpture
Statement pieces created for homes, resorts, lodges, clubs, businesses, and other extraordinary spaces.
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Awards & Trophies
Custom copper trophies and commemorative pieces for fishing tournaments, organizations, special achievements, and milestone occasions.
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Custom Commissions
Have something else in mind? Hanes works directly with clients, designers, and collectors to transform an idea, subject, or story into an original copper creation.
MEET HANES HOFFMAN
/ Founder & Principal Craftsman
R. Hanes Hoffman Jr.—a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill—has been transforming solid copper into one-of-a-kind works of art inspired by the wildlife, landscapes, and waterways that have shaped his life.
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Based in the mountains near Brevard, North Carolina, Hanes is an artist, avid fisherman, naturalist, world-traveler, and lifelong observer of the natural world. His deep familiarity with fish and wildlife is at the heart of his work. He studies each subject closely, photographing and observing species in their natural environments, then brings that knowledge back to the studio.
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The result is sculpture that feels remarkably alive.
BORN FROM A LIFE OUTDOORS
/ The Art of Copper and Flame
Hanes' relationship with the subjects he creates is not purely artistic. Fishing, travel, mountain biking, and time spent outdoors continually inform his work.
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Being on the water provides both inspiration and research. He observes species in their natural environments, studies their anatomy and movement, and photographs the details that make each one distinctive.
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That first-hand knowledge allows him to approach realism with an artist's eye.
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The work is precise, but never sterile. Realistic, but with unmistakable artistic flair.
BUILT FOR THOSE WHO EXPECT MORE
/ Where Fire Becomes Art
Copper is the foundation of every Bluewater creation.Its warmth, malleability, and responsiveness to heat make it an extraordinary medium for capturing the character, realism, and subtle details of his subjects.
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Each sculpture is shaped and detailed by hand using traditional tools and techniques. Hanes then uses flame to bring color, markings, depth, and iridescence to the copper itself. No two pieces respond to the process in exactly the same way.
The finished work is unmistakably individual, with the character of the copper becoming part of the artwork.
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Bluewater sculptures range from intimate wall-mounted pieces to substantial sculptural installations designed for a particular interior, yacht, lodge, office, or architectural setting. Every work is individually handcrafted, signed and dated by Hanes.
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A good-luck penny, placed behind the eye of each piece, is a quiet signature of the Bluewater tradition.
CRAFTED TO OUTLAST THE ORDINARY
/ Made by Hand, Built to Last
Each Bluewater sculpture is a three-dimensional, one-sided bas-relief created entirely by hand.
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Once the sculptural work is complete, the copper is flame-painted to develop its distinctive coloration and patterning. A protective clear coating helps deter oxidation and preserve the character of the piece.
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Every sculpture is fitted with a hanger on the reverse and designed for display indoors or outdoors.
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From a small piece that quietly completes a room to a commanding installation that becomes the centerpiece of a space, every Bluewater work carries the same commitment to craftsmanship, authenticity, and individuality.
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One artist. One piece. One story.