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Wood and Metal Abstract Sculpture through History

The Treasure mapping
The Treasure mapping
by Luciano De Nobrega
US$83
Nigerian Squatters
Nigerian Squatters
by Craig Paton-Ash
US$124
Fish Galore!
Fish Galore!
by Sonya Owen
US$147

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Abstract sculptures involve the artist exploring different materials in his or her work. Metal, bronze, stone, or steel can be used alone or in combinations to produce objects that are interesting to the eye. The artist can express an idea or a mood through by exploring how textures can be used on different scales. This form of expression can also look at how spaces can be used as part of a piece.

The basis for modern abstract sculptures can be found in Cubism. This way of approaching art was invented in France by Picasso and Braque. They took various organic forms and broke them down into geometric shapes. The first artists who created modern the peices of art drew from Cubism as an inspiration for their pieces.

Henry Moore, an influential English sculptor, is known for creating abstract pieces using bronze. Moore’s abstract art sculptures are usually in the form of a human form. He sometimes portrays a mother and child or a figure that is reclining.

The largest collection of Henry Moore’s work on display for the public can be found at the Art Gallery of Ontario, in Toronto. It includes a number of sculptures, some of which have Moore’s trademark piercings or hollow spaces throughout them.

Metals are not the only material that can be used to create the sculptures. Wood can also be fashioned to create a work of art that is pleasing to the eye. This material is one of the oldest used to make art, since it was readily available to Ancient Man.

For the modern artist who wants to create an abstract wood sculpture, the first step in the process is choosing the wood for the piece. The wood should be neither too wet, or too dry. If you choose a piece that has a lot of moisture, it will be difficult to carve, while wood that is too dry is more likely to splinter during the process.

The type of wood best suited to particular abstract art sculptures will depend on whether you are planning to paint or stain it when finished. Soft woods, such as butternut or bass wood, are a good choice when the finished piece is a small one. Sculptures made from this type of wood are usually painted, since the wood is difficult to stain. Some artists want the natural grain of the wood to show through in their art and choose to work with cherry, mahogany or walnut because of their interesting patterns.

Artists who work in this medium may carve the wood with the grain, across it, or parallel to it, depending on the effect they want to achieve. Going against the grain of the wood can cause it to tear. Small wood carving tools make working in tight places and adding detail easier for the artist. He or she may use a chain saw to remove large pieces of wood beforehand. Once the abstract wood sculpture is carved, the final steps are to sand and finish the piece.