Stainless Steel vs. Aluminum Sculptures: The Differences
Every component of an art piece and every artistic decision plays an important and purposeful role. An artwork’s colors, shapes, and materials transform the final product in many ways, from aesthetics to functionality. Discover the differences between stainless steel vs. aluminum sculptures and see how an artist’s creative choices influence and mold their artwork.
Weight and Mobility
Weight and mobility affect a sculpture’s transportation, mounting, and placement options. Heavy sculptures are hard to move around but can withstand pressure from wind or leaning objects. Lighter sculptures, on the other hand, give you more mobility and placement flexibility. However, they sometimes require a weighted base or mount to remain stable when standing.
Stainless steel is heavier than aluminum, making stainless-steel sculptures challenging to transport and move around easily. You have to commit to where you place a stainless steel sculpture. Aluminum sculptures are a little lighter in weight and easier to move around. If you decide to move or switch the layout of your space, you can easily change the placement of your aluminum sculpture. However, despite being lighter in size, aluminum sculptures are still heavy enough to withstand the force of the wind, giving you a stable and sturdy yet mobile art piece to enjoy.
Environmental Durability
Both stainless steel and aluminum consist of weather-resistant and durable properties, giving you long-lasting metal sculptures. Stainless steel and aluminum are rust-resistant, dense, and don’t expand or contract when surrounding temperatures fluctuate. In rain or sunshine, stainless steel and aluminum sculptures remain in top shape and stand up strong.
Creative Flexibility
Stainless steel is harder to mold, bend, and shape than aluminum. Most stainless steel sculptures feature simple shapes and minimal curves. Aluminum, on the other hand, is more malleable, giving artists more creative flexibility. Aluminum sculptures come in more intricate designs and abstract shapes.
Although both stainless steel and aluminum are metals, they produce very different art pieces. Knowing the difference between stainless steel vs. aluminum sculptures helps you find the perfect sculpture for your space and needs. Stainless steel sculptures are heavy, durable, and less malleable, giving you simple designs that can remain in the same spot for many years. Aluminum sculptures are light, durable, and malleable, providing lots of artistic variety, from designs to mount and placement options.
Dustin Miller is a metal sculpture artist that specializes in aluminum abstract pieces. His sculptures are easy to transport, feature intricate abstract designs, and can withstand the outdoor elements. If that sounds like the perfect sculpture for your space, reach out to the Dustin Miller Gallery to get your own aluminum abstract artwork.
