Tor Archer

Tor Archer’s solitary figures suggest objects of reverence derived from mythology and primitive icons. The artist uses primary visual elements drawn from the natural world, such as tree branches, bark, leaves, eroded rocks and even snakes. Crafted from welded industrial copper tubing with earthy patinaed surfaces, the structures emerge from rough materials to be as airy as birds’ nests. The result is witty and sophisticated, contrasting the meticulous finished forms with the mundane components used to create them.

Born in Massachusetts, Archer grew up in Santa Barbara and has lived in San Francisco for many years. He is a three-time nominee for the prestigious SECA award, and has exhibited widely on the West Coast. He received his BA degree from UC Santa Cruz and his MFA degree from Boston University.