Copper is our favourite precious metal. Some people go gaga for gold, others have silver dreams. But we prefer the more artful alloys, like brass and bronze, perhaps because they so often come in the shape of a beautiful nude woman. In fact, bronze and brass ARE copper, with some tin or zinc added, respectively. Our ultimate metal muse would be made of copper, but alas, copper doesn't pour so well. Nor does it respond to the hammer and chisel. It's too hard for one and too soft for the other. We like its refusal to cooperate, it's anything but mercurial. No doubt it gave alchemists nothing but grief. Copper says "take me as I am or be done with me". Vanessa is the same way. She's as close as we'll ever come to a copper sculpture. We wouldn't dream of changing her. Nor could we if we tried.
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