Parasoleil - The Art of Shade by UB Arts

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2006 – May — Boulder Daily Camera Newspaper - Giving art purpose

Boulder-based artist gains recognition for functional art

By Elizabeth Dill, For the Camera
May 8, 2006

A relatively unknown local artist is creating quite a buzz among architects, contractors and designers with his functional art products that he says last a lifetime.

Uriah Bueller, a Boulder resident and former teacher, took home the Best Innovative Product award at the 2006 Denver Home and Garden Show for his "copper shade panels." These 3-foot by 8-foot copper panels, which cost about $400 each, are lightweight and durable, he says. The panels have many different applications, ranging from top shades and desk skirts to privacy screens and window shutters.

"Nothing can quite frame a beautiful space like cut-out panels," Bueller says. "They define boundaries, height and depth."

Bueller currently offers 10 different panel designs to consumers. He sketched the initial designs for the panels by hand and then transferred them to a computer with the help of Chad Dillon, Bueller's nephew. The panels are manufactured from these digital designs by Omnicut Water Jet Technologies in Denver, where the designs are cut into the copper with a water jet.

Originally, Bueller crafted each of the panels by hand. But since it took him nearly two hours to cut each panel — and the heat from the cutting torch weakened the metal — it became clear that he needed to partner with Omnicut.

"The designs of the panels are very thoughtful," Bueller says. "Each pattern expresses something that is worthwhile. The cutouts are unique and therefore cast interesting shadows."

Bueller gains the inspiration for his designs from both his faith and his extensive travel throughout the world. Through his involvement with Distant Destinations, a Boulder company that offers travel opportunities paired with community service for middle school and high school students, Bueller frequently has traveled to Europe and remote areas of southeast Asia, Africa and Central America.

"My travel makes me see possibilities, it makes me see what if," says Bueller. "I want my designs to be as real as the emotions I've experienced in my travels."

One of his panel patterns, named "Kenyan," was inspired by an expedition to Kenya. Bueller climbed Mount Kilimanjaro and delivered books and supplies to schools in Laikipia, a town in Kenya's Great Rift Valley.

"The panels are aesthetically pleasing and you can achieve an elegant look with minimal maintenance," says Ned Flanigan, a customer of Bueller's and a fan of his work. "Due to the nature of the metal, the panels are permanent and need little repair."

Flanigan, a local resident, had more than 30 copper panels installed around the outside of his home. The panels were used for both shading and also to fence in a portion of his yard.

Although Bueller's focus in recent months has been on the panels, his artwork is certainly not limited to that style. In 1999 he founded UB Metal Arts, which offers a wide range of hand-crafted sculptures and furniture. He has supplied residential homes, businesses and galleries with his artwork. Working mainly in copper and steel, Bueller not only creates his own designs but also works closely with clients to accommodate their needs.

In November, Bueller unveiled a sculpture he created for the St. Julien Hotel & Spa in Boulder entitled "Distant Destinations." The sculpture, featuring oversized leaves and vines designed to resemble rainforest in Costa Rica, is located on the side of the hotel facing Canyon Boulevard.

Some of Bueller's designs currently are for sale at the Aspen Artist's Cooperative Gallery in Aspen Highlands. Bueller also rented a store-front window on Pearl Street, near Japango, to display his work. His "Copper Shade Panels" will be on display at the 2006 Parade of Homes in Commerce City, which runs from July 29 to Sept. 4.

"My hope for the future is just to be able to keep my hands and mind busy with my work in the studio," Bueller says.

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