“Big Su Overlook”- Birch bark relief-peeling with wood-burning and watercolor. Triptych on 5” circular pieces on wood backing. Copelin 2019 (Sold).

Inspired by one of Alaska’s impressive rivers, the Susitna. Locals refer to her as the Mighty Su and one can see her any time of year and agree the name fits.

https://www.susitnarivercoalition.org/about

“Three Little Dragons”- Wood-burned birch bark with dye added. Triptych of 5” circular pieces on wood backing. Copelin 2020 (Sold).

Inspired by the mosquito-plagued Alaskans wonderful, weaving companion. Gotta love ‘em.

“Hidden Passage”- Relief-peeled and wood burned birch bark watercolor with birch bark collage surrounding under epoxy in handmade wood frame by Scott Alderman of Fairbanks, AK. 9x7. Copelin 2018 (Sold).

Inspired by the small alpine lake that is part of the portage around the falls at the bottom of Tangle Lakes in the Alaska Range. https://www.blm.gov/sites/default/files/documents/files/PublicRoom_Alaska_Delta-WSR-Brochure.pdf

“Alpine Lake #2”- Wood burned birch bark with watercolor. Affixed to factory-produced wood panel. 8x5. Copelin 2018 (Sold).

Inspired by the alpine lakes in the Alpine Creek Drainage above Alpine Creek Lodge in the Alaska Range.

https://alpinecreeklodge.com/

“Spinach Ridge Overlook”- Wood burned birch bark with watercolor and dye. Collage portion features birch bark leaves and sand from Lowell’s Point in Seward, AK. Affixed to factory-produced wood panel. 8x5. Copelin 2018 (Sold)

Inspired by a place near and dear to my heart. This viewpoint was introduced to me by my landlord and best friend, Pat, when I first moved to Fairbanks. Being just up the road from my cabin I made the hike or ski up to this view many times to try and catch a glimpse of The Great One, Denali. An anonymous neighbor had tucked chairs away nearby for lazing and gazing in the afternoon sun. This piece relates to my other work “Wait Here”.

https://www.nps.gov/dena/learn/historyculture/denali-origins.htm

“Wait Here”- Wood-burned birch bark with water color. Secured to siding with used fishing line. 12x10. Copelin 2016 NFS

Inspired by the trail above my first long-term abode in Fairbanks. This trail meandered through many different make-ups of boreal forest including stands of aspen plagued by Running Cankar, stunted black spruce littered with squirrell middens and, of course, this beautiful scene of stout, hardy birch enjoying their solitude on a south-facing ridge of Murphy Dome. In this representation the fleeting bloom of wild roses wait for the sun to shine through the birch branches and warm their roots.

https://www.adfg.alaska.gov/index.cfm?adfg=boreal.main

“Storybook Cove”- Wood-burning on birch bark with watercolor.  Secured to siding with brass nails and shelac.  12x10. Copelin 2016 NFS

Inspired by the many gorgeously dreary hills overlooking the little bays of the great Kachemak Bay. I have spent much time overlooking the water from the roadways and a little time exploring Katchemak Bay State Park on boat and foot. It’s like a moody, emo version of interior Alaska ranges if all of the rivers were drowned in the sea. Awesome!

https://www.kachemakbaywatertrail.org/life-environment

https://www.kachemakbaywatertrail.org/life-environment