Porthill man makes unique art fabrications

Living in the Porthill area for 59 years, Paul Van Etten combined his love of mechanical welding fabrication, the outdoors and art to form Multi Material Creations.

Van Etten designs unique, one-of-a-kind creations. He uses antlers, metal, stone and wood as the foundation of his art.

When Van Etten was 19, he began a career in mechanical welding and fabrication. He has run his own business since 1997.

Living on property in Porthill his great-grandparents homesteaded,  he comes across objects he uses for his materials while venturing outdoors with his wife Lori.  He may find a piece of old wood, scrap metal, antlers, animal bone, or anything Van Etten sees as a creation opportunity.

He said he could buy materials but prefers to find a rusty piece of metal and bring out the shine.

“I have always been an artistic person,” Van Etten said.  “I used to make things for our own home until my wife convinced me to take it further.”

Van Etten has an eye for seeing things in discarded items and turning them into something beautiful. Friends have learned to keep a sharp eye out for items Van Etten may be interested is using.

A year ago Van Etten started to get serious about his creations and sold several pieces. They recently visited Cannon Beach to deliver a shipment of finished pieces to Primary Elements Gallery.

Van Etten is anxious to show his pieces to the local art community as well.

Working out of his home, it can take Van Etten 45 to 50 hours to finish a piece.

“I do a little something for everyone,” said Van Etten. 

He draws a template and carves everything by hand with tools and some power tools. 

“I like to make everything by hand, I am after the craftsmanship, no punching into a computer,” he said.

His wife Lori has been instrumental in getting him started and keeps things going. She makes his pamphlets, cards, prints portfolios, computer work and has done the basic legwork. She also helpful critiquing and encouraging his work, according to Van Etten.

His pieces sell in a broad range of prices, but he said it is about the artwork. He likes the fact that someone will buy a piece and appreciate it. 

“I am glad to share it because it comes from my heart, and from an area that I love,” said Van Etten.

Paul Van Etten can be reached at Multi-Material Creations  267-7005.  People can also e-mail Van Etten at customfab@wildblue.net.