Sofia Martinez
Plastic art is a type of visual art that involves the use of a wide range of materials to create three-dimensional objects. The term plastic in this context refers to the malleability and sculptural possibilities of the materials used, rather than the synthetic substance commonly associated with the word. Plastic artists have existed since ancient times, using materials such as stone, clay, and metal to create sculptures and artefacts. Over time, the development of plastics and synthetic resins has expanded the possibilities for plastic art, with artists like Pablo Picasso, Marcel Duchamp, Andy Warhol, and Roy Lichtenstein experimenting with these new materials and techniques. Today, plastic artists continue to innovate, utilising both traditional and contemporary materials to create unique sculptures, paintings, and mixed-media works.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Materials | Clay, stone, metal, acrylics, polymers, resins, plastics, synthetic resins, natural materials, cellulose acetate, cellulose nitrate, alkyds, papier-mâché, mineral water bottles, plastic bags |
| Techniques | Carving, modelling, casting, assemblage, cutting, found objects, screen printing, lithography |
| Properties | Malleable, bendable, mouldable, formable, rigid, flexible, liquid, versatile, lightweight, strong, colourful, shiny, matte, glossy |
| Challenges | Conservation, deterioration, chemical composition, aging, preservation |
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What You'll Learn
Clay
One of the most popular types of clay used in plastic art is polymer clay. Polymer clay is a synthetic material composed of PVC resin and a liquid plasticizer, resulting in a highly malleable and oven-safe substance. It is available in a wide range of colours and can be further customized by mixing different colours together. Polymer clay typically requires conditioning before use, which involves kneading the clay by hand, passing it through a pasta-making machine, or using a low-shear mixer to soften it and break up any resin particle adhesions.
Various tools can be used to shape and sculpt polymer clay, including acrylic rollers, needle tools, and clay blades. Once the desired shape is achieved, the clay is oven-cured, retaining its form without melting or drooping. Polymer clay artists can also utilize "liquid polymer clay," which can be used as an adhesive or to create unique effects and textures. This versatile material can be poured into molds, combined with pigments or chalks to create coloured liquid clay, or used to join separate pieces of clay together.
Polymer clay has become a favoured medium for artists and hobbyists alike, with many online communities and resources dedicated to showcasing the possibilities of this material. Its plasticity, ease of use, and ability to hold intricate details make it a popular choice for creating sculptures, jewellery, and mixed-media artworks.
While polymer clay has revolutionized the use of clay in plastic art, it is important to note that not all clay products are suitable for certain applications, such as holding or serving food and beverages, due to potential health hazards associated with leaching plasticizers.
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Stone
There are several types of stone used for sculpting, each with its own unique properties. One of the most popular types of stone for sculpting is marble, known for its smooth texture and beautiful veining patterns. Marble is a metamorphic rock formed from limestone that has undergone a chemical change due to heat and pressure. Another popular type of stone for sculpting is granite, a plutonic rock formed from quartz, mica, and alkaline feldspars. Granite is a very hard stone and can be challenging to carve, but it creates a strong and durable sculpture.
Other types of stone used for sculpting include alabaster, soapstone, sandstone, and limestone. Alabaster is valued for its malleability and elegant, translucent appearance. Soapstone, or steatite, is composed of talc and has a slippery, soapy feel. It is a good choice for beginners as it is soft enough to carve with a knife. Sandstone is also fairly easy to work with, but it tends to wear down sculpting tools quicker. Limestone is a sedimentary rock made mostly of calcium carbonate, and it is known for its excellent weather-resistant properties.
Working with stone requires talent, patience, and knowledge of its qualities. Artists use tools like chisels, rasps, and mallets to shape the stone, and the process can be time-consuming and labor-intensive. Despite the challenges, stone remains a favoured medium for sculptors, offering a timeless and engaging form of artistic expression.
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Metal
One of the advantages of using metal for plastic art is its durability and strength. Metals generally have a higher melting point than plastics, resulting in stronger and more long-lasting creations. Metal art is also less susceptible to rusting and oxidation, ensuring its longevity. Furthermore, metal fabrication offers a wide range of processes that allow artists to create intricate details and complex shapes.
However, metal fabrication also comes with certain drawbacks. The start-up costs for metal tooling can be significantly higher than those for plastic. Metal fabrication may also encounter design limitations due to the viscosity of certain metals, making it challenging to create intricate shapes. Additionally, metal fabrication often requires post-fabrication processes such as deburring, painting, and finishing, which can increase the overall time and expenses of a project.
When creating plastic art with metal, artists must carefully consider the pros and cons of the material in relation to their specific project. Metal art can be heavy and may not be suitable for certain hanging or mounting applications. Additionally, the appearance of metal art may differ from the expected aesthetic, as some metal pieces are laminated onto a plastic core. Nonetheless, metal remains a prominent and captivating medium for plastic art, offering unique textures, finishes, and visual appeal.
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Synthetic resins
There are several classes of synthetic resins, some of which are manufactured by esterification of organic compounds. Some are thermosetting plastics, where the term "resin" can be applied to the reactant or the product. For example, liquid methyl methacrylate is referred to as "resin" or "casting resin" in its liquid state before it polymerizes and sets. After setting, the resulting poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) is often called "acrylic glass" or "acrylic". This material is the same as Plexiglas and Lucite and is used for embedding display objects.
Polyester and vinyl ester resins are two large families of synthetic resins offered by Polynt, a company specializing in synthetic resins. Dicyclopentadiene (DCPD)-based products are an example of unsaturated polyester resins that can create smooth, durable, and water-resistant surfaces. Vinyl ester resins, on the other hand, offer better resistance to mechanical stress and have lower shrinkage during polymerization.
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Natural materials
Plastic art is a type of visual art that involves the use of three-dimensional objects crafted from a diverse range of materials. The term "plastic" in this context refers to the malleability and sculptural potential of the chosen medium, rather than the synthetic substance commonly associated with the word. Artists have been creating plastic art since ancient times, utilising materials such as stone, clay, and metal for their sculptures and artefacts.
In the nineteenth century, the development of synthetic chemistry aimed to replace expensive natural materials such as horn, amber, shellac, and tortoiseshell. However, it's worth noting that these natural materials, along with ivory, were used in ancient times to create carvings and sculptures, showcasing their importance in the history of plastic art.
Today, artists continue to explore the use of natural materials in their plastic art practices. For instance, some artists may use natural fibres, wood, or plant-based resins to create sculptures or installations. These materials can be manipulated through techniques like heating, cutting, modelling, and casting to create unique and captivating works of art. Additionally, natural materials can be used to make paints and dyes, adding colour and texture to plastic art creations.
The use of natural materials in plastic art not only provides artists with a sustainable alternative to synthetic substances but also allows them to connect with the wonders of nature and the intricacies of the human experience. By employing natural media, plastic artists can create interesting, original, and thought-provoking pieces that challenge preconceptions and inspire new perspectives.
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Frequently asked questions
Plastic arts are a type of visual art in which three-dimensional objects are made from a range of materials. It is a broad term that includes sculpture, installation art, and mixed-media works.
Plastic art can be made from a variety of materials, both natural and synthetic. Some commonly used materials include clay, stone, metal, acrylics, polymers, resins, and plastics.
Plastics were first introduced in the late 19th century and gained widespread use in the 1950s. Artists began experimenting with plastics in the early 20th century, with pioneers like Marcel Duchamp and Pablo Picasso using found objects and repurposing them as art.
Some examples of plastic art include sculptures, paintings, printmaking, and mixed-media installations. One early example of plastic art is papier-mâché, which combines paper and glue to create a lightweight yet strong material for sculptures.
The versatility of plastic has made it an attractive material for artists, designers, and architects. However, one challenge is the conservation and preservation of plastic art due to the lack of knowledge about the aging and deterioration of different types of plastics.
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