Throughout the 20th century, artists looked for new ways to express themselves. Contemporary sculptors continue to push boundaries and they have a vast array of tools and materials to work with that were not available in the past. No subject is off limits and they create some amazing works that may borrow from the past and incorporate current trends but are uniquely their own.
They have the option of using many tools that were previously unavailable. The processes formerly accomplished with hand tools are now possible with power tools like grinders and cordless drills. New adhesives allow almost any materials to be bonded instantly and permanently. Industrial diamond tools were almost unknown to the sculptor two decades ago and can now be used to carve and shape a wide variety of hard materials like brick, concrete, glass and stone.
The materials used for creating sculptures through history included bronze, wood, marble and metal. This list has grown over the years and today there is virtually no limit to the type of materials that can be used. This includes man-made materials like plastics and various composites. Many sculptors today also choose to assemble found objects to create their works.
Various techniques used for sculptures through the ages like modeling, carving and casting and assembling are still used, although they too have been influenced by modern materials and tools. For example, when carving, which involves subtracting material from the original block, various power tools are now commonly used. Casting, a reproduction technique that duplicates the form of an original, has also progressed greatly over the years.
Subject matter used today is extremely diverse. For most of history, the human form, animals and nature were used as subjects. It was only in the latter part of the 20th century, that forms of expression changed. Figurative sculpture fell out of favor and subjects included the abstract. New subjects involved emotions, ideas and studies of form and space. Conceptual art was produced where an idea or concept was more important than any traditional or aesthetic concerns.
As sculpture has developed, the trend has been towards more individualism, although it still shows its debt to the past. There has also been a blurring of boundaries between different artistic forms. Artists are making more use of mixed media.
Another trend is creating works that involve viewers rather than just facing them. They may be surrounded by the sculpture and even walk through it rather than just facing it. Environmental sculptures are created to actually change the environment for the viewer, even allowing one to enter the piece or be surrounded by it. Site-specific sculptures are designed to complement their surroundings, generating shadows or coloring the light.
When buying contemporary sculptures, it is a good idea to visit online art discussion forums and browse websites to gain as much information as possible about the subject. It is also important to get an idea of prices considered typical for specific mediums or types of sculpture before making a purchase.
For contemporary sculptors, there are so many options for expressing their creativity. They can choose from a wide variety of tools, use a virtually unlimited range of materials and combine them in any way they desire. They can opt to include past traditions, look to the future and use their talent to pull the elements together in uniquely desirable works.
They have the option of using many tools that were previously unavailable. The processes formerly accomplished with hand tools are now possible with power tools like grinders and cordless drills. New adhesives allow almost any materials to be bonded instantly and permanently. Industrial diamond tools were almost unknown to the sculptor two decades ago and can now be used to carve and shape a wide variety of hard materials like brick, concrete, glass and stone.
The materials used for creating sculptures through history included bronze, wood, marble and metal. This list has grown over the years and today there is virtually no limit to the type of materials that can be used. This includes man-made materials like plastics and various composites. Many sculptors today also choose to assemble found objects to create their works.
Various techniques used for sculptures through the ages like modeling, carving and casting and assembling are still used, although they too have been influenced by modern materials and tools. For example, when carving, which involves subtracting material from the original block, various power tools are now commonly used. Casting, a reproduction technique that duplicates the form of an original, has also progressed greatly over the years.
Subject matter used today is extremely diverse. For most of history, the human form, animals and nature were used as subjects. It was only in the latter part of the 20th century, that forms of expression changed. Figurative sculpture fell out of favor and subjects included the abstract. New subjects involved emotions, ideas and studies of form and space. Conceptual art was produced where an idea or concept was more important than any traditional or aesthetic concerns.
As sculpture has developed, the trend has been towards more individualism, although it still shows its debt to the past. There has also been a blurring of boundaries between different artistic forms. Artists are making more use of mixed media.
Another trend is creating works that involve viewers rather than just facing them. They may be surrounded by the sculpture and even walk through it rather than just facing it. Environmental sculptures are created to actually change the environment for the viewer, even allowing one to enter the piece or be surrounded by it. Site-specific sculptures are designed to complement their surroundings, generating shadows or coloring the light.
When buying contemporary sculptures, it is a good idea to visit online art discussion forums and browse websites to gain as much information as possible about the subject. It is also important to get an idea of prices considered typical for specific mediums or types of sculpture before making a purchase.
For contemporary sculptors, there are so many options for expressing their creativity. They can choose from a wide variety of tools, use a virtually unlimited range of materials and combine them in any way they desire. They can opt to include past traditions, look to the future and use their talent to pull the elements together in uniquely desirable works.
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