Before we get to know some concrete artists, it helps us know what concrete is. Concrete is one of the construction materials commonly used in buildings, bridges, houses, etc. The original color of the concrete, which is only gray, is certainly less attractive. As time goes by, boring concrete can be modified to become aesthetically more beautiful. Here are some of them:
Acid Stained Concrete Floors
This concrete coloring is a mixture of acid with salt, which is then applied to hardened concrete slabs. Acid is useful for opening the pores of concrete while the function of salt is to make color changes on the floor’s surface with a chemical reaction. The resulting color is beautiful with a 3-dimensional appearance.
Acid Stained Concrete Floors With Faux Grout Lines
This other variation of concrete produces a floor that is similar to tile. The additional lines provided can suit your taste, whether you make a large or small box like a tile, or make lines according to your taste with an artistic touch.
Stained and Polished Concrete Floors
If you want to have a glossy concrete look like glass, polished concrete is the right thing, then apply a special concrete barrier to maintain its luster similar to marble. Experts in concrete floors within the Melbourne area claim the rise of concrete flooring with the
Dyed Concrete Floors
If concrete stains react chemically with calcium hydroxide in the concrete, the dyes are not reactive and can provide color to penetrate concrete or other porous cement surfaces, resulting in a nearly permanent stain-like coloring.
Painted Concrete Floors
To maintain a concrete floor, either repair or cover a slightly hollow one or epoxy is usually used. Epoxy itself has various colors that can be used to make any pattern you want, it can even be a beautiful work of art.
Currently, concrete is not only for completing buildings and not only about floors, but has shifted into works of art that can be enjoyed in various forms both in galleries and in public spaces. In the world there are artists who specialize in concrete crafts, many of the works that have been produced with good technique and beautiful results. Let’s get to know some concrete artists, including:
Antonio Ehrenzweig
Ehrenzweig was surprised by the reaction produced by chemical stains, it was the first time Ehrenzweig “became acquainted” with chemical stains. Beautiful stains that can be made to add accents to the floor, can be used as wall hangings or beautiful mural. Deserts, natural colors and fossils influence Ehrenweig’s work. It has recently been influenced by marine life and water movements after living on the coast. The theme of water and fossils’ movement becomes the language of art, and concrete is the medium or the canvas to produce works of art.
In Mexico, there is a strong tradition for tile and marble. Most people will think of concrete only for construction. Getting the idea that concrete can be a medium for artwork requires the right approach. As an artist, Ehrenweig is continuously looking for fresh and new materials and ideas.
Carolyn Braaksma
Carolyn Braaksma is a concrete artist originally from Denver. She has a fine arts background, certification as a professional welder, and quite a long time as a construction worker. Braaksma first saw the two-part fiberglass moldings used to build smooth-surface concrete columns while working as ironworkers. Then he saw wood grains left on the concrete surface after stripping the wood. That’s when the idea emerged that concrete could be a medium of art. At that time, Braaksma started to make chairs, concrete sculptures for sale in galleries and then pursued art opportunities in public spaces.
Braaksma’s works in public spaces that are generally funded by the government include terrazzo floors located at airport terminals and university buildings, retaining buildings and maintenance of sound walls along main roads. His work is also present along the Pima freeway, the enormous texture of the skin of lizards and lizards is presented on the corridor walls.
Lee Gamble
The work of Lee Gamble is very creative and a lot of consideration in designing every design that will be made. Gamble often draws and photographs an area and then uses it to show clients how a pattern will look. As a color illustration, he uses an overlay material on the Hardiboard and smears a stain or dye before starting work.
In work, Lee Gamble combines new and old technology as he creates and installs stencil patterns. References used from studying books on textiles and making many trips to Europe see historical designs such as stained glass windows, old doors, and iron gates, which can inspire unique designs.