Fiberglass Art

Many folks may have passed, seen or even touched fiberglass art without even knowing it. This versatile and easily-transformable material has been used for years to create a wide array of public and private art. It can even be used to make a kitchen sink. Fiberglass has many features that make it an ideal creative medium and many examples of striking results.

Types

The wide array of fiberglass art is mind boggling. It can be transformed into everything from an antique Grecian frieze, comparable to those found in the Parthenon, to a small bud vase that looks like bronze. Other types of fiberglass art include abstract sculptures, life-like sculptures, picture frames, three- or two-dimensional wall art, lamp shades, carousel animals, decorative mobiles and even art that doubles as furniture.

Features

Fiberglass is a unique material because it can be made to resemble many other materials. This cuts back on the cost and weight of many traditional materials while adding durability and strength. Fiberglass can be hooked up to resemble wood, stone, rock, marble, glass and even human skin. Fiberglass comes in mesh, solid blocks and sheets and can be melded or melted into any shape or sculpture one desires.

Size

Because fiberglass is so lightweight and durable enough to be made hollow, some very large fiberglass artwork is out there. Life-size cows, 32-foot blue horses and a newborn baby some two-stories tall are just some of the larger fiberglass pieces. The latter, and similar larger-than-life pieces were created by artist Ron Mueck and on display at The Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth, Texas. For a bit more pliability, Mueck mixes fiberglass with silicone to give his sculptures a life-like appeal.

Considerations

One more creative way fiberglass is used in art is by actually imbedding art into it. This technique, where an actual piece of art is surrounded by a protective sheet or block of fiberglass, opens up a wide array of even more artistic possibilities. Fiberglass embedded art can be used as stained glass, skylights and windows, in mirror coverings or light fixtures and as table and countertops.

Public Art

Public art is often made of fiberglass, some of the most famous including the large cows, horses and other animals found on the streets, sidewalks or airports of major cities. One company, CowPainters.com, specializes in large fiberglass animals that cities can purchase or rent for special occasions. They outfitted places and events ranging from the We Let the Dawgs Out exhibit in Athens, Georgia, to the AbZOOlutely Chestnut Hill exhibit in Philadelphia.