Ingredients | Crackts | Benefits | Study
Again and again I am asked how the cracks in my structures are created and which paste or compound I use for them. In short, I mix myself.
The use of self-mixed structural mass has long been an integral part of my art, which is allowed to continuously develop and refine. Depending on the combination and mixing ratio of various components, the drying process creates a wide variety of cracks that give my works a special 3D effect and an exciting haptic.
In this article, I'd like to reveal to you more insights into why I specifically focus on making the structural mass for my artwork myself and how it is fundamentally created.
Raw structures dried, displayed artwork: Auszeit im Hier
Ingredients and mixing process
For the main ingredients of my structural mass and the necessary fixation, I rely on easily procurable marble powder and/or lime putty, as well as an appropriate binder that ensures reliable adhesion to the canvas. The combination of components depends on the subsequent effect I want to achieve, and the exact proportions can vary depending on the desired consistency.
When I make my own structural mass, I make sure to mix the components carefully until a very creamy consistency is obtained, similar to that of yogurt. I personally prefer to work with this, because the mass can be processed on the canvas for a very long time. For the application and shaping on the painting surface, apart from the hands, very different tools can be used, for example, a normal spatula, a shower squeegee, a painting knife, parts of an old French Press, ... uvm.
The fascinating cracks
The cracks that appear during the drying process of the applied structural mass give my works a very special and exciting visual depth. The size and shape of the cracks vary depending on the thickness of the application. Thicker layers can create deeper and wider cracks, while thinner layers create more subtle and finer cracks.
The unpredictability of the cracks makes every creative process extremely exciting and unique anew. The drying of the structures is the time when I creep around my artwork with curiosity on what feels like an hourly basis and my patience is put to the test.
There will be another separate blog post about the deep meaning and symbolism of the cracks on my works.
Structures on canvas, displayed artwork: Kleine Auszeit
The benefits of mixing own structural mass
Mixing my own structural mass gives me several benefits, such as:
Adaptability
I have the possibility to adjust the composition according to my specific requirements. Depending on what I need the structural compound for, I can specifically control properties such as strength, elasticity and other characteristics.
Cost savings
Learning opportunities
Test and study
Making and experimenting with different materials as well as mixing ratios is an ongoing and very exciting learning process. With each artwork and test design, I refine my technique and texture mixing to further develop my own style and expand my artistic boundaries.
There are also frustrating moments, but the development of one's own abilities overshadows the tears of rage when something doesn't work out.
For this reason, when asked by other artists about my quantities, I give the answer, "Dare to try and give yourself the experience of learning and the personal success to come."
In summary,
that mixing my own structural mass from marble powder and lime putty has greatly enriched my artistic process. The decision to mix my own structural mass has brought many benefits. By creating the mixture myself, I can achieve the desired consistency and ultimately the texture that matches my artistic intent and underscores the statement of the artwork.
By deliberately varying the thickness of the structural mass, I can control the size and shape of the cracks. It is an interplay of design and chance that makes each work of art special.
In my online gallery you will find a short making-of for each artwork, for an insight into the different creation processes.
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