Mark Irwin Sculpture
I create wire sculptures using a range of wires which can be left to age naturally or can be treated to achieve a wide range of finishes. Most of the wires and treatments I use are explained below. Pictures of my work are in galleries accessed by the menu above.
Galvanised chicken wire
15mm - 35mm galvanised wire will not rust
Copper wire
Reclaimed electrical wire, will turn a green grey with time
Annealed mild steel wire
Maliable wire will rust unless treated
Black steel wire
Maliable black coated wire will rust unless treated
Galvanised steel wire
Thicker wire hard to bend will not rust but change to pewter colour with age
Stainless steel wire
Will not rust and says bright
Hot dip galvanised
Sculpture dipped in molten zinc to galvanise and prevent rusting. Can be aged to a pewter Patina
Powder coat
Stops rusting. There are many different types of powder coatings - gloss, semi gloss and matt. In almost any colour you want including chrome
Painted
Painted by brush or spray any colour you wish -could be lacquered to retain look of original wire
None
Your sculpture will age naturally, the finish depending on the wire