Steel Sculptures

The Creative Use of Steel in Sculptures

Steel, which is an alloy metal consisting mostly of iron, is very commonly used in the sculpting process, due to its strength and abundance. The methods for working with steel depend on the type of art that is being created. Large sculptures are often created from steel, or sometimes it is used to provide the framework for other types of sculptural pieces. Steel comes in different grades and alloy types, depending on the metal that the iron was mixed with. This can include elements such as manganese, carbon, vanadium and tungsten. The type and amount of the alloying elements control many of the qualities of the steel, including its hardness and strength. These are often important considerations when selecting steel as a sculpting material.

Examples of Steel Sculpture

Many large sculptures use steel in some way, even those which are made from many different materials. Large sculptures made from stainless steel are quite beautiful and reflective, and since this particular steel alloy doesn't rust or corrode as quickly as other types of steel, it is often used for steel sculptural pieces. Decorative stainless steel sculptural accents were very popular during the Art Deco period, and the material was often used to create large ornamental sculptural pieces that were part of the building structure itself. Many artists also work with strictly recycled steel, which can produce fascinating pieces of art. Steel is often a popular choice for abstract sculpture, as well as a favorite choice for contemporary art pieces.

History of Steel Sculptures

The use of steel in sculptures didn't become popular until after the methods for producing the metal were made to be more efficient. Although steel was produced even before the Renaissance, effective ways to make the metal were not actually developed until later in the 17th century. After the mid-19th century, steel became a plentiful building material, due to the fact that it was becoming easily mass-produced. After this time, steel became a common material in sculptures as well as other structural building efforts.

Challenges of Using Steel in Sculptures

Some steel alloys can be quite hard, which can make cutting a challenge unless the proper equipment is used. Steel is also heavy, due to the fact that it contains mostly iron, which is a consideration when working on large pieces. Many steel alloys will rust over time when exposed to the elements, unless protective coatings are applied.

Strengths of Steel as a Sculpture Material

Steel, depending on the particular alloy used, is a very strong metal that lends itself well to sculpture. It is often used alone when creating art pieces, but it is also common to see an underlying framework of steel created to support pieces made from other materials, due to the fact that its strength lends itself to this kind of use. Because of its common use in building construction, it is often used when sculpture is used as part of the building itself. It can be welded to create extremely large sculptures, or used in smaller formats such as sheets of steel or steel wire to create small intricate pieces. Its versatility makes steel a popular medium in which to work.