The Swarez sculptures near completion
For a while now I’ve been working on this new and very unusual range of sculptures. After having gone through nearly a ton of aluminium and significant failure I finally have something I am ready to share.
It’s a little unusual for me as it’s not painted. I appreciate that may seem at odds with what I do (with my paintings) but the whole point of this was to get somewhere near, in metal, to the shapes and patterns I create with paint.
This is the first successful piece that has come back from being powder coated and I have to say I am ecstatic with the quality and finish.
To begin with they will be around 2 – 3 feet tall and sit on a polished granite base (or similar). No prices yet (although I’m aiming to come in at a starting point below £1000). I am hopeful I can get a range of assorted pieces out before Christmas.
Initially they’ll be suited to sitting on wall units and console tables, alcoves, coffee tables and other places where you can stand things.
Getting things finished
Whilst I intend to keep the process under wraps I am keen to express the uncontrollable excitement I have, now the finished pieces are almost ready to carry the Swarez signature.
There’s still some way to go with figuring out how to stop them falling over (and for those who also want to wall-mount them) but that should get figured out pretty soon.
And don’t worry if you’re reading this from outside the UK – they will ship in crates to any country once I have the site set up for secure payments and automated global shipping.
To paint or not to paint?
I am shortly going to trial some of the test pieces with paint. This is to see what happens when I go nuts with my enamels. I suspect they should be left alone but I have to have a go at painting one or two just to make sure. To be honest the powder coating is so good they really need to be left as they are, but curiosity is a powerful thing!
The powder coating finish also means the sculptures can be put outside – this opens up a whole world of potential for larger pieces that can sit outdoors in all weathers.
Outdoor wall mounting may also be an option. I reckon I can adapt them to stand or hang almost anywhere.
All feedback welcome of course (be gentle!). I would love to know what you think. Bear in mind this is all about the beauty and rawness of the organic forms of the metal.
Absolutely stunning Ed, the detail is so crisp. I think it’s definitely worth doing a couple of tests with painting, would be worth seeing if it works. Would not be as durable as the powder coating though, which looks great in the pictures.
Thanks Steve and that’s exactly what intend to do soon! Thanks mate
Looking good Ed, almost a creepy Giger-esque feel to it with that finish – very nice! Can’t wait to see more.
Ha! I know what you mean Tim! Thanks for the feedback – will post an update real soon!
Looks fantastic Ed, personally I would leave it as is, you could always powder coat in different colours.
Hi Edd, it’s me Paul Moore, the chap who is an engineer, have you considered anodising aluminium? You get some great finishes on Ali, it stops it oxidising too. If you have any ideas and need a hand in design or producing any sculptures I would only be too pleased to help. Another metal (copper) turns a green colour once weathered which could also be a great contrast against Ali, stainless steel and mild steel. If you need any help please get in touch. Kind regards Paul
Thanks Paul; very kind of you to offer and I may yet take you up on it! Plenty to do in the meantime though so I’ll keep you posted. Cheers Ed