Over the course of the last 50 years, the use of steel for art sculpture has become common, providing artists with endless possibilities and potential to create incredible works.
Check out the many incredible ways that steel can be used to make wonderful works of art.
Why use steel?
Steel has many advantages for its use in the world of art. Steel’s durability, malleability, and relative cheapness has caused many sculptors to make it their primary material. It lends itself to large-scale work, but can also reward fine hand detailing as well. Various parts—or the entirety—of the process can be contracted out to industrial fabrication companies, or the whole thing can be done in the artist’s studio. As well as being a sculptural medium itself, steel is basic to our industrial world and is required for constructing armatures, supports, reinforcements, frames, jigs, fixtures, machines, and other devices to create art.
Steel versus stainless steel
An artist may choose either steel or stainless steel for their works of art. Steel’s hardness is a mid-way between wrought and cast iron, so it possesses characteristics of both. It has a finer grade and is lighter and malleable if exposed to very high temperatures. With sudden cold temperatures, it becomes extremely hard. Steel has a shine, and though it is used majorly for structural works and reinforcement materials, it is also used for contemporary artwork and sculptures. Alternatively, stainless steel is rust-resistant and retains its lustre well. Stainless steel is alloyed with 10% to 20% of chromium. Its lustre, non-rusting qualities, and its beauty make it suitable for a huge range of art types rather than just sculpture, such as exquisite cutlery, staircase railings, decorative hardware, and jewellery.
Using steel to make art
One reason stainless steel is a big attraction for many, including sculptors, is that it can be easily joined together. Sculptors primarily use welding to attach their artwork together. With welding, the steel becomes partially melted and then as it cools and hardens, it joins to the other part that the sculptor would like it to become attached to. Although a lot of sculptors prefer the method of welding and then leaving it as is, some prefer to use grinding and sanding. This method creates the appearance of a single piece of steel because, after the welding process, the artist will grind and sand the seam until it looks like one whole structure. Things like statues or monuments are standard designs of art using steel.
A steel sculpture can stand the test of time in almost any element and allows artists to create a rough finish or a cleaner and more polished finish. Steel is very versatile and works for many different applications and art projects!
Steel has a crucial role to play in producing incredible works of art. If you would like to learn more about steel and its use in art, or if you need quality steel that is fabricated to suit your unique needs, contact Steel Fabrication Services today.
Our team of expert structural steel fabricators have the experience and knowledge to answer any of your questions and will ensure that you find the best solution to suit your needs. To contact us today, simply call, fax or email for information or a steel fabrication quote, or drop by our Brookvale location.
