Hunks of rusted metal inspired Mark Thomas to launch his first solo art show, Ballast, now on display at Up Periscope. The 12-piece exhibit features aging steel, brass, and copper in various stages of corrosion. “The chemical change — from being polished and shiny, breaking down over time, and turning dull and brittle — makes the metal more interesting,” he says. “The random shapes of colors, textures, and patterns take on a color field. It’s almost nature’s way of abstract painting.” Thomas uses blue, red, and yellow enamel paints to create the pieces, which sell for between $50 and $200, depending on size. “It could fit in a sunroom or a living room,” says Thomas. “You could also put it in your bathroom to stare at.”
Oct. 16-Nov. 10, 4 p.m.

This article appears in Oct 11-17, 2006.