Sculptures for your gardens that suit your style
Sculptures for Your Gardens
Adding sculptures to a garden is like writing the last chapter of a novel. The garden begins with a specific style. Then, plants are added that reinforce the garden style. When sculptures are added, the garden style statement is clear. However, garden sculptures should be unique and reflect the personal preferences of gardeners to suit their style. The World of Garden Sculptures
Accessories like sculptures are added to gardens to increase the enjoyment and visible pleasure derived from the sight of a well-maintained, well-appointed garden. In certain regions of the globe, sculptures may be markers dedicated to a person or favourite thing. These may be in the form of copper or bronze etched medallions or other attractive metals in a variety of designs. One of the most popular sculpture forms for gardens today is engraving. This is a resurgence of a more traditional use of metals. Engraving Methods and Techniques - Past and Present
There are various methods engravers use to achieve the most beautiful sculptured results. Some engraving is done by hand, machine or computer. The engraving technique depends on the type of material used. Basically, hand engraving is a series of hand cuts onto metals or metal sheets. Hand engraving is considered an art form today. Machine engraving is done by drilling at high speed revolutions of the drill bit into etch metal surfaces. In computer engraving, hi-tech computerized machines do the work of etching with a broad variety of cutters in different sizes and shapes. Acid etching is another form of engraving. It requires the chemical, acid, to burn into surfaces. In the 1800s, tintypes, photos etched into metal were done using the acid etching method. Pantograph engraving may be seen most often on sheets of metal and placards that require finer detail die work or milling. Another method of engraving is bronze casting. It is also one of the most unique used mainly in industrial and commercial signage. Bronze casting begins with a sand casting template into which a molten metal is poured. It is allowed to age until the iconic bronze hue is achieved. Lasers and Engraving
Clearly, the most modern method for engraving would include lasers. Laser technology has virtually infiltrated nearly every commercial and industrial process. The ability to use a single light strike or beam to burn into metal is the method used in laser engraving. The beauty of laser engraving is the ability to regulate the amount of heat from the light beam to create the design onto metal to be engraved. The Beauty of Etched Sculptures
The most beautiful etched sculptures have been passed down from one generation to the next. A number of famous mansions and castles of the world were built with artfully crafted etched ceilings and walls. Such was the beauty of engravings that royalty demanded their images be engraved onto coins, medallions, in crowns and jewellery. Currently, some of these early engraved and etched pieces are found in exclusive museums. The delicate artwork of etchings and engravings are a tribute to the metal artistry of craftsmen throughout history. Sculptures Define
Etched Sculptures often indicated a sign of domain or ownership. In estates of the wealthy, etched sculptures often included a coat of arms or other symbols of ancestry. Suits of armour complete with engraved shields and swords, stood in great halls as a reminder of valor in battle or in memory of a specific war. Soon, estate properties began to be accessorized with sculptures dotting expansive lawns and formal gardens. Great cast bronze sculptures of honoured ancestors were a reminder of courage, heraldry or titles of royalty. Other times, etched sculptures were prominent displays of religious symbols. In many towns and cities, engraved sculptures are depictions of famous locals or war heroes. They may be located in urban hubs at entrances to buildings or in parks within town or city limits. In essence, these sculptures are intended for visual enjoyment and create constant memories of past history. How to Select Sculptures for your Gardens that Suit Your Style
To select the most appropriate sculptures for your gardens, define the type of gardens where these sculptures will be located. For example, traditional gardens will be better served with an engraved sculpture with a historic or upscale artful look. A lot of detail and artistic craftsmanship goes into each engraved sculpture. The specific location in the garden is another important feature to consider. The message the sculpture design is also a feature that should be considered. The most popular engraved sculptures for gardens are those with a Romanesque, prehistoric and "sun" sculptures in Aztec, Greco and Egyptian designs. These are found in sconces, plaques wind chimes and free standing statues and statuettes. They may be added to chimneys, exterior walls on homes and buildings, cupolas and even rain drains and downspouts. Make Your Gardens Tell a Story
To give your garden a style statement, choose your engraved or etched sculpture to suit the types of plants in full bloom, as well as in dormant seasons. The garden sculpture should be highly visible from a broad range of viewing angles for maximum appeal. Gardeners who add sculptures also tell a story of the love and care and attention to detail given to well-tended gardens by their owners. Garden Sculptures Begin with Garden Design
The design of an existing garden can be a big help when choosing sculptures. It's a good idea to incorporate the use of multiple sculptures in gardens. Combine garden design with the design of sculptures to set the mood or moods of the garden. For example, if one area of the garden has traditional evergreens and shrubs, choose a sculpture that suits the mood of a lush part of the garden. Then, add a whimsical sculpture to another part of the garden where brightly coloured blossoms prevail. In still another part of the garden where the blessings of heady aromas fill the air, choose a romantic sculpture to set the mood there.
