8 replies to this topic

[RustPainting]

I have been rusting sheets of steel for 7 years. I call them rust paintings.

http://www.seanhealy.co/

I am a new member and I'm happy to be here.

[PTsideshow]

welcome to the forum, interesting work

[AvishaiW]

to MAF Sean. Very nice and original interpretation of rust.

[knots43]

Sean, Welcome. I have known of a couple of other Craftsman/Artists who used rust finishes on steel. However I have never satisfied my curiosity about how these finishes are stabilized on regular steel. Back in the 70's Armco came out with Corten which, I am sure that you know about . Corten was formulated to develop a dense surface oxidation/rust coat that would stop rusting after the oxidized layer reached a certain thickness. How do you stabilize your finishes after you reach the appearance and composition desired?

it is amazing what variations can be achieved with oxidized finishes on steel. Interesting work, very nice.

[RustPainting]

Sean, Welcome. I have known of a couple of other Craftsman/Artists who used rust finishes on steel. However I have never satisfied my curiosity about how these finishes are stabilized on regular steel. Back in the 70's Armco came out with Corten which, I am sure that you know about . Corten was formulated to develop a dense surface oxidation/rust coat that would stop rusting after the oxidized layer reached a certain thickness. How do you stabilize your finishes after you reach the appearance and composition desired?

it is amazing what variations can be achieved with oxidized finishes on steel. Interesting work, very nice.

Hi and thanks for all the 's

@Knots43:
The short answer to you question is that I don't stabilize them and I wouldn't consider them stable. I have been kind in that I stayed clear of any acid stronger than vinegar. I don't panic about neutralizing, some area's have been exposed to rust remover's but only for aesthetic purpose's. Subtle changes happen over time for sure, I like this and encourage it, ever changing is good.

A small interview can be read on http://rustpainting.com/

I never heard about Corten till now. Thanks I Shall research it.

[knots43]

Another artist who recently has begun posting here - scraparoz - uses rusted machine parts as the resource for his art. The most obvious connection between your work and his is the rust, however even though your art is very different, you both have a highly developed sense of composition. Although scrapartoz's work appears mainly as outside art in the photographs that I have seen, I think that it would be equally effective displayed inside. Have you considered making works of art for exterior display ?

It occurs to me that art produced using your current methods would probably not survive well exposed to exterior conditions. You may have other works and methods which we have not seen that prove me wrong on this point. I can see you making the transition, adding techniques to produce art for the exterior environment that are equally effective as your current works.

For instance:

Stainless steel when heated produces a dense black oxide coating which is essentially weatherproof . This coating could be manipulated to with brushing, controlled with heat sinks, overlaid with other materials, etc,etc, and etc. The use of aluminum, copper, and bronze in combination with steel could add color and interest.

Copper based alloys produce beautiful oxidation colors .

Steel produces a rainbow of subtile colors when heated. However I doubt this technique would work/survive under exterior exposure conditions.

Different metals have different dielectric characteristics. Dielectric corrosion could be another tool for your kit.

Finally, the works that you have shown us display a well developed and sophisticated process. I make these comments with respect for what you have accomplished and yet see an even greater potential.

[RustPainting]

The website has taken a new direction, I hope you all like.

[AvishaiW]

Very inspirational Sean. I like it.

[Randy McDaniel]

Wow! I like the site that you put up with all of the rust painters. It amazes me that one can paint a portrait with rust. Beautiful! Are the other artists using more than just steel or how are they getting so many colors in their work?

Thanks and welcome to MAF !