MATERIAL · TECHNOLOGY · CARE
Materials and care
Every piece begins with the material. Here you can learn more about the materials used to create my art, their unique properties, and how to properly care for your artwork.
TRANSPARENCY · DEPTH · COLOR
Resin and pigments
Epoxy resin, also known simply as resin, is a versatile material used in a wide variety of areas. Classic epoxy resin systems consist of two components – resin and hardener. When both are mixed together in the prescribed ratio, a chemical reaction begins that causes the initially liquid material to gradually harden. Depending on the resin system, processing time, curing time and possible layer thickness, the properties of the finished surface will differ.
In addition, there are light-curing resins, which are frequently offered as UV resin. They do not require a separately mixed hardener, but instead harden within a short time under suitable UV light. Due to this fast processing, such UV resins are particularly common for smaller projects like jewelry, pendants, and other small molds. They are typically processed in thinner layers; the possible layer thicknesses and curing times depend on the specific product.
Resin can also be customized with suitable dyes and pigments. Depending on the product used, transparent or more opaque color effects can be achieved, as well as metallic, pearlescent, neon, or luminous effects, for example. Transparent resin in particular offers the possibility of visually combining color, light, and multiple levels to create special depth effects. Like many materials, resin can also change over time. Transparent epoxy resin, in particular, can develop a yellowish tint as it ages. The extent and speed of this change depend on factors such as the resin system used and external influences like UV light and heat. Protected placement can help to slow down such aging processes.
COLOR · TEXTURE · MOVEMENT
Acrylic and texture
Acrylic paints are versatile and, depending on the paint, medium, and application used, open up entirely different creative possibilities. Among other things, they can be applied opaquely or transparently, in thin or thick layers, and—with suitable products—can also be used for fluid art. For my acrylic pour paintings, various colors are combined and moved across the surface. This creates individual color gradients and organic shapes.
For sculptural surfaces, I additionally work with texture pastes and various tools. These allow for the creation of elevations, indentations, and relief-like structures that give a work of art additional depth. Depending on the product, texture and modeling pastes can be used pure, combined with acrylic paint, or painted over after drying. Which surfaces and layer thicknesses are suitable depends on the specific paste used.
I find the combination of different materials and techniques particularly exciting. Acrylic paint can, for example, be combined with texture-building acrylic media, allowing paint and sculptural surfaces to interact within a single work. In this way, individual surfaces are created layer by layer, where color, texture, and light can have different effects depending on the viewing angle.
FOUNDATION · STABILITY · FORM
Substrates
The substrate forms the foundation of an artwork and is selected to suit the specific technique. For my work, I use materials such as canvases as well as rigid, primed painting surfaces. The two differ in their texture and in how they react to different materials and application techniques.
Canvas is one of the classic painting surfaces and is well-suited for work with acrylic paints. However, with fluid or thicker acrylic applications, tension, absorbency, and surface preparation also play a role. For instance, with heavy acrylic pours, a stretched canvas can sag in the middle, which is why manufacturers recommend additional stabilization for such applications.
Rigid painting surfaces offer a stable surface and are particularly suitable for techniques where minimal movement of the substrate is desired. Certain modeling and texture pastes are therefore explicitly recommended for rigid surfaces. A gesso primer serves as a prepared painting surface; acrylic gesso can be used on both flexible and suitable rigid substrates.
CARE · PROTECTION · DURABILITY
Care and durability
To ensure artworks remain beautiful for a long time, their location, handling, and cleaning play an important role. Direct sunlight, extreme heat, and large temperature fluctuations should be avoided whenever possible. Especially with resin, UV light can accelerate aging processes and potential yellowing. Even UV-stabilized epoxy resins are not completely protected from these natural changes.
Resin surfaces require particularly careful handling. Even fully cured epoxy resin is not scratch-resistant, and fine signs of wear can become visible, especially on smooth, high-gloss surfaces. Therefore, rough or abrasive materials should not be used for cleaning. Depending on the material, paper towels and cleaning cloths can also leave fine scratches. Dust should be removed as gently as possible and without unnecessary pressure. If damp cleaning is necessary, it should be done very carefully using a suitable soft, non-abrasive material. Aggressive or abrasive cleaning agents must be avoided.
Restraint is particularly important with acrylic paintings. Unsealed acrylic surfaces can be sensitive to water, solvents, and mechanical cleaning. Therefore, they should be touched directly as little as possible and dusted very carefully. On textured or delicate surfaces, you should not rub over protruding structures.
As with any handmade artwork, materials can change over time. Color, gloss, and surface appearance are influenced by factors such as light, heat, environment, and aging. Protected placement and careful handling will help preserve their appearance for as long as possible.