ArtMetal

Hi All, I am submitting another proposal for an outdoor public park commission and could use help in choosing a material. There will be two materials involved with the project. The "base" will be out of rusting steel, with an organic element out of another material above it. I want the material to be maintenance free and there will be some forge work and welding involved. The materials I've been considering are Stainless Steel, Bronze, or Copper to create a contrast to the rust color. With the stainless I'd probably try to color it with heat or leave silver, copper patina green, and the bronze I'd either patina brown or green. I have experience fabricating stainless, but not forging any of the materials or welding copper or bronze. My three main criteria are the cost of material, skill level needed, and time involved with forging/fabricating with the material. Copper may not be an option due to theft, but I'd still like peoples opinions. I'd like to hear peoples experiences and opinions of these materials.

thanks

Jake