Fish Vases
Exploring the Wonders of Acrylic
Passionate about extraordinary objects? Consider Polymethyl Methaclylate.
Such a boring name for substance so luminous and exciting. And so useful I might add. It is the same versatile material that’s used in too many ways to mention – from making eyeglass lenses and, who knew this one, the “bubble” in the submarines! We, however, are particularly fascinated by the esthetic properties of this transparent plastic commonly called acrylic glass, or simply acrylic.
Acrylic was developed and brought to market in the 1930s. Because of its unique properties it is often used as an alternative to glass. It is less dense and has higher impact strength. Unlike glass, acrylic will not shatter making its use very practical in home decor. Modern furniture makers often incorporate acrylic into their designs giving otherwise ordinary objects a translucent and futuristic look. When it comes to acrylic furniture – from an elegant sofa or a chair minimally accented with acrylic legs or armrests to a stunning dining set made entirely out of acrylic – the possibilities are unlimited. Every taste is catered to and a variety of scratch-resistant coatings are used by manufacturers for added practicality.
But perhaps the most intriguing aspect of its artistic use is the exploitation of acrylic’s light transmitting capacity, which is significantly higher than that of regular glass. Creatively crafted acrylic art forms appear jewel-like under natural or artificial light. Sculptors take advantage of the material’s flexibility and its relationship with light to create marvelous pieces, which become proud displays even in places outside of art galleries – in homes and offices. Acrylic sculptures come in a variety of shapes and colors from the most vivid futuristic forms to the most recognizable fun shapes – like flowers, fish, or seemingly weightless but quite heavy butterflies. The greatest visual effect is achieved by displaying a sculpture on an acrylic pedestal, which is usually an art form in itself. Savvy acrylic enthusiast use special lighting techniques to accentuate unique characteristics within their piece creating a glorious spectacle.
Most acrylic sculptures are cast by pouring liquid acrylic into a mold where it’s kept until it reaches stiff consistency. After curing under heat and pressure to achieve clarity and hardness, the sculpture is removed from the mold and finished by hand using a variety of files and grinders. The frosted look is created by blasting the surface with glass powder while the smooth surfaces are polished with buffing wheels or a jeweler’s rouge.
Despite its delicate and sophisticated look, acrylic art is very easy to maintain. Fingerprints or dust on polished surfaces can be simply wiped off with a clean flannel cloth. For extra crisp cleaning or to remove dirt from the frosted parts, the sculpture can be washed with mild non-abrasive soap. Dishwasher soap or window cleaning products should never be used. The safest bet of course is to use products that are specially formulated for cleaning acrylic, which can do wonders for keeping acrylic pieces beautiful for years. Even scratches can be removed! There it is – just another wonderful property of acrylic…
If you are considering becoming an owner of acrylic artwork, be sure to visit us at StudioLX.com for information and a wide selection of marvelous acrylic creations.
About the Author
Lena Jouran – www.StudioLX.com
speed drawing of vase filled with fish and water
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Fred and Friends Unzipped-Bag-Shaped Hand-Blown Glass Bowl $15.46 Fred and Friends. Some thingsin life are fleeting. We just use them once, and then relegate them to the trash. Unzippered is designed to celebrate one of those everyday items we take for granted. Rendered in fine hand-blown glass. Unzippered is the temporary made contemporary. Durable borosilicate glass in an individual gift box…. |
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Schlemmertopf Classic Glazed Clay Cooker, Medium $49.95 A modern approach to a very old technique; clay pots were commonly used for cooking in wooden ovens. Maintaining the same principles as outdoor cooking, this clay baker maintains the water it is soaked in, thereby enhancing the natural flavour of the food through self basting. All liquids, flavour, taste, nutrients, and vitamins are retained within the food, as it cooks in its own natural juices. … |
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Gurgle Pot – Cobalt Blue $39.95 Brilliant Cobalt Blue glazed ceramic Gurgle Pot, a uniquely shaped like a fish. Water pitcher that makes a gurgling sound while pouring. GurglePots are a perfect drink pitcher for your table, or make a charming vase. Gurglepots hold all of your favorite beverages and make fun and fabulous gifts for weddings, housewarming, hostess, bridal shower, mothers day, birthdays, teachers and more!! Find man… |
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Wallmonkeys Peel and Stick Wall Decals – Peces De Colores En Un Jarrón – Removable Graphic WallMonkeys wall graphics are printed on the highest quality re-positionable, self-adhesive fabric paper. Each order is printed in-house and on-demand. WallMonkeys uses premium materials & state-of-the-art production technologies. Our white fabric material is superior to vinyl decals. You can literally see and feel the difference. Our wall graphics apply in minutes and won’t damage your paint or l… |
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Glass Crystal Cat, Golden Fish Rectangular Paperweight 5 7/8 X 1 7/8 X 1 7/8 (150mm X 50mm X 50mm) with 3 LED Light (Blue, Red & Orange) Stand $19.99 … |
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PORCELAIN GOLD FISH VASE LAMP $120.00 … |
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Sniffles/The Broken Vase $1.99 … |
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Diamond Acrylic Rocks $24.95 Fill your aquarium or flower vase with some decadent, crystal-clear Diamond Acrylic Rocks! Your fish or flowers will be living the luxurious life with these fun, fashionably cut diamond rocks. Display them strewn across tables for functions like weddings, or even on your dining table if you want to feel like a king or queen for a day! Each pack weights 1 lb…. |
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Angel Fish Design – Hand Painted – Large Cylinder Vase – 10 inches tall $44.95 Hand Painted – Large Cylinder Vase – 10 inches tallRivaling the beauty of actual tropical fish found in the ocean waters near the BELLISSIMO! studio, these regal angel fish are elaborately hand painted in colorful shades of red and blue with stripes of silver and gold. Experience the enjoyment of viewing these gorgeous creatures without ever getting wet…. |
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Fantasy Fish Design – Hand Painted – Large Vase $44.95 Hand Painted – Large Cylinder Vase – 10 inches tallEncouraged by the unending variety and enchanting variation of fish found in the sea, the Fantasy Fish design showcases the most fanciful hand painted fish imaginable. The result is a whimsical assortment of vibrantly colored tropical fish swimming in an underwater paradise of coral and sea grass. Watch for exquisite details such as lobsters, se… |
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Hand Crafted Fly Rod Tube (keywords bamboo fishing trout vise case wood) $125.00 |