Thursday, April 25, 2013

Reasons Why Contemporary Sculptors Like Bronze

By Bertha Wells


Contemporary sculptors use many different materials but bronze seems to be their favorite. Everywhere you go in the world, you can find this sort of artwork decorating buildings, parks and streets. People across the globe recognize the importance of art and its role in sharing the deeper meaning of life. Statues have been used as much to inspire people as to mark the impact that has already been made on society by great leaders.

Cities right now are seeking ways to create spaces that are both beautiful and functional. For this reason, they invest a fair portion of their budget in cultural activities and artwork. Some pieces are quite large and are done by a single artist. As such, they may take months or even years. Many artists find that as they become more well known, they get paid better for their work. Quite a few municipalities have seen the value of their investment rise when they commissioned work by young, talented sculptors.

These sculptures take different forms and center around many themes. While some of the artists are purely abstract in their implementation, others endeavor to have their work look like something that is seen every day, such as an animal or a plant. For this reason, you will find that there are molds that are huge circular forms and others that are tiny and other worldly.

Alloys which have bronze in them gain a unique quality. When they increase in temperature, they also expand. This makes it possible for them to reach every nook and cranny that might exist in a mold. Artisans exploit this feature by working fine details into their sculptures, such as the folds in a silk blouse.

When bronze cools, the metal contracts. When a sculpture is being produced, it is required that molten material is used to fill a container. After that, it must be taken out of the vessel. If the alloy did not have this quality, it would be hard to remove the cooled substance from the mold.

Contemporary sculptors also like the fact that alloys in this category stretch easily. Ductile materials cannot shatter instantly when they are subjected to force so they can be shaped into curves and arches. The wings of a bird in flight and athletes precariously balanced on their toes can all be rendered with this material.

Numerous sculptures from ancient times have been lost or stolen. This is due to the immense value and versatility of bronze. It can be shaped into almost anything, including ammunition and kitchen tools. The same features that make it a favorite among artists also put the work of these talented individuals in danger.

Contemporary sculptors in the last decade have turned to more new materials when they want to implement their vision. Ancient artists did not have glass, lighting fixtures and more modern materials at their disposal. However bronze still heads the pack and collects praise as the best medium to work in from artists all across the globe.




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