Metal art has been a very important part of many cultures; it dates back 3000 B.C. when Indians discovered it. Bronze sculptures have been found in Delhi and a variety of metals were used including bronze, bell metal, copper, iron and silver.
Metal sculpture is usually done differently in each region and as an individual travels the world they will find a variety of unique art. From sculptures of deities to intricate etchings, metal has been used to create fancy pieces.
In Africa the Yoruba tribe is famous for its hand hammered, pounded and welded metal sculptures of everyday tools that were needed for farming. Today, metal is used to enhance many home decorations, tables and chairs. They can even be used to take a step back in time to the 1950s look of decore
Metal is also used as enhancements both inside and outside houses. You will see them as garden sculptures, on the sides of buildings and as decorative wall hangings. Metal can be welded to take a variety of different shapes and can enhance the look of just about anything.
A nice effect for metal work is when more than one type of metal is welded or woven together in able to create a two tone affect. Often stainless steel and copper are brought together to create an effect like basket weaving. Metal can also be bent and shaped in a variety of ways to give an effect as though it had several colors instead of two. This type of effect is created by power coating to prevent the metal from losing its color so it makes it a more vibrant color.
Another way that metal is being used for metal art is through plasma cutting. By using a plasma cutter artists are able to make more intricate patterns that is similar to the old fashioned block metal stamping that was done in many people's homes. These give the effect of silhouettes.
A popular item for metal art is farming art. Items like animals and intricate weathervanes are created through the use of metal art. Intricate wind chimes make a different kind of sound when it is metal instead of glass or other types of materials.
There are a variety of websites that offer many different kinds of metal art. Some of them produce art through the use of foundry processes and others make more intricate details with a acetylene torch or other process. Some sites offer everything from Christmas ornaments to fine sculptured clocks, etchings and full scenes in nature.
The machinations of metal art show the versatility of metals, welding processes and the creative spirit of the artists. Some people even create very interesting and sometimes strange sculptures using scrap metal. They use welding torches to weld together pieces and parts of this and that in whatever the creative spirit asks them to do.
Jewelry makers also use metal art to create broaches, beautiful earrings and a variety of smaller metal objects that are appealing to those who are looking for something new and unique. Metal art has enough variety to meet anyone's taste.
