Pepper is known for her welded steel sculptures in hollow, geometric shapes in which she utilizes box-like forms and paints inner surfaces in a single, bright color. She has built an international reputation with monumental sculptural constructions of welded steel, informed by both Constructivism and Minimalism. The trademarked name for weathering steel, Cor-Ten was developed for industrial use and is noted for its tendency to form a stable, rust-like patina when exposed to the elements over time, thus eliminating the need for continual surface upkeep. The material’s resistance to corrosion made it a favorite for sculptors like Pepper, who wanted to produce site-specific pieces that would remain constant fixtures of the environments in which they were installed, eliding the archival quandaries that tend to plague outdoor pieces.
