How a Copper Fountain Is Made
Every fountain Roberto creates is shaped entirely by hand — from raw copper sheet to finished, flowing water feature.
Roberto Marquez has been handcrafting copper water fountains since 2008 in Tucson, Arizona. No molds, no mass production — each piece is built one at a time, with the same hands-on process he has used for over 15 years.
The process begins with flat sheets of copper and raw tubing. From there, Roberto cuts, shapes, hammers, and torch-fires each element into the organic, flowing forms you see in the finished fountain. The distinctive color variations — warm amber, deep brown, and natural green patina — all come from the hand-torching process, not paint or chemicals.
The Making Process — Step by Step
Cutting the Copper
Roberto starts with flat copper sheet stock. Each leaf, bowl, petal, or form is hand-cut to shape. The cutting itself requires precision — even small variations affect how water flows across the finished piece.
Shaping & Forming
Cut pieces are shaped by hand using hammers, stakes, and forming tools. Leaves are curved. Bowls are rounded. Petals are given their curl. This shaping work determines the character and movement of each fountain.
Hand Torching
Each copper element is torch-fired with a propane torch. This is where the color comes alive — the heat draws out rich amber, red, and brown tones unique to each piece. No two are ever identical because the fire reacts differently every time.
Assembly & Water Testing
Elements are assembled onto the base and tubing structure. Roberto then runs water through the fountain to check the flow across every tier or leaf. He adjusts the angles until the water moves smoothly and sounds balanced — this is the most critical step.
Finishing
Once the water flow is right, the fountain is cleaned, any final shaping is done, and the piece is prepared for display or shipping. Roberto hand-packs every fountain he ships to ensure it arrives safely.
Natural Patina Over Time
After you bring the fountain home, the copper continues to age naturally. Over months and years, it develops a deeper patina — traveling through warm brown tones and eventually a soft green verdigris, like the Statue of Liberty. Every fountain ages uniquely.
Custom Fountains
If you have a specific size, shape, or design in mind, Roberto can create a fountain to order. He has made fountains for specific architectural spaces, as memorial pieces, and as one-of-a-kind gifts. The process is the same — everything made entirely by hand, to your specifications.
Interested in a Custom Fountain?
Contact Roberto directly to discuss your ideas. He is happy to talk through sizes, styles, and what will work best for your space.
Contact Roberto