[TheForge] Rust-resistance: Iron Pillar of Delhi (LONG ANSWER)

Sat Oct 4 17:21:00 2003

I have recently gotten involved with a local group of sculptors in 
Cincinnati as  result of one being recognized by the International 
Sculpture Center (ISC). Patricia Renick, best known for her monumental 
sculptures in the 1970's of composites of fiberglass dinosaurs and 
modern obsolescent objects like an old VW beetle and a scrap helicopter.

One was called Stegawagonvolksasaurus, which made the media when is was 
exhibited in 1974, amidst the oil embargo, energy crisis, etc.
The other was called, I believe, Triceracopter.

We were talking about major monumental sculptors like Albert Paley, and 
the like. When we discussed materials I asked about sucessful works in 
corten, and she expressed disappointment in continued degradation of 
some installations and an inability to restore or conserve  them once 
corroded. I can ask her for specific info.
FYI

Cincinnati is the site of the First Internation Sculpture Cities 
program on October 11. It is going to be a sculptors street party in 
the art district where Pat has her studio.

On the Thursday prior to the street event, October 9th, Patricia Renick 
will be getting an award as an outstanding sculptor/educator in 
recognition of her 30 plus years of teaching sculpture.

Once the event is complete a juried slide show will be posted on the 
ISC website. I will post the link when ready.

I also just installed an outdoor installation called "Medieval 
Playset". Although not authentic enough for the SCA people it has a 
chopping block and homemade ax for beheadings, a "Serious Swing Set" 
that consists of a stock, a noose, and hand forged wrist shackles, and 
a tetherball pole with a cannon ball on the end of a chain for the 
tetherball.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN EVERYBODY!!

Ray Miller
Cincinnati

On Saturday, October 4, 2003, at 11:14 AM, [email protected] wrote:

> In a message dated 10/3/2003 10:21:16 PM Eastern Daylight Time, 
> [email protected] writes:
>
>> Many sculptors found otherwise, plus it is impossible to
>> restore once
>> corrosion has propagated.
>
> Ray...I did a large Corten piece which has been installed outdoors for 
> almost 30 years.  Because of the copper in the alloy initially it 
> rusts, forming a protective layer which, if left undisturbed, 
> prohibits further rust.  The initial rusting causes severe staining 
> around the sculpture...some kind of replaceable, well-drained footing 
> (gravel, sand, etc.) is a good idea.
>
> The occasional graffiti written with a stick or rock has caused some 
> minor continued rust.  I would be interested in your information to 
> the contrary.
>
> Philip Whitley
> Greenville, SC
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