Carving Stone
Carving Stone
Desert Varnish What Is It? How Is It Used In Stone Carving?
Desert Varnish is the dark coating on rocks originally thought to be found only on stone in arid regions. Actually it occurs worldwide and in many environments, varnishes may even exist on Mars as suggested by observations on both the Viking and Mars Pathfinder landing sites. Desert Varnish occurs in many different colors and densities, from a glossy black, all shades of brown and some with orange tints. How is the varnish made? What is it composed of? How do I use this knowledge in my Hand Carved stone wall art?
Initially it was thought that the varnish was created by substances being drawn out of the rock, a weathering of the stone or a chemical reaction changing actual surface of the stone. Further investigation shows however that the varnish has high concentrations of clay which could only come from the outside of the stone. The clay then catches additional substances that have a chemical reaction under the heat of the sun along with a little moisture from the air mixed in to make the all different colors of varnish that is found. In the end the varnish becomes a light coating, typically less than half a millimeter thick, of minerals, clay and bacteria deposited on the stone surface.
Desert Varnish is made up of three major elements. The first is clay that adheres itself to the surface of the stone. Next let us look at the minerals which are the second part of the recipe. The region where the varnish is created greatly affects the color layered on the stone. If the region has a high concentration of manganese oxide in its mineral composition the varnish created in that area will generally be a dark color more on the glossy black side. A region that has a high concentration of iron oxide will produce browns and varnishes with an orange tint. These minerals blow around in the air with the dust and attach themselves to the clay. Add a touch of moisture, like morning dew, and combine with the heat from the sun to create the finally ingredient, bacteria. These ingredients plus anywhere from 50 to over 100 years time and you will start to see the beginnings of a coating of Desert Varnish.
Many ancient stone carvings, or petroglyphs, are found where this varnish has coated the stone surfaces all over the world. I had to take all this information into account when figuring out to recreate Desert Varnish in my studio to help perfect the creation of my wall art. When I first started stone carving I collected all the stone myself. The stone was naturally aged and many pieces did have some patina or Desert Varnish on them. When I started purchasing the stone for my carvings direct from the quarry there was no aging and therefore no contrast when I went to carve on them. I realized I needed to educate myself about how Desert Varnish is created naturally in my quest to continue stone carving.
I studied the aspects of Desert Varnish in nature and in an attempt to recreate the recipe. I also had to figure out how to hurry the whole process up. After many failures and much trial and error I found a recipe that is working well. As usual it is an ongoing experiment and holds the promise of only getting better and better outcomes. The result at this time are wonderful pieces of hand carved stone wall art that have the look and feel of Desert Varnish but the patina did not take 50 to 100 years to create.
About the Author
Ron White, stone carver and entrepreneur, has been carving stone since 1993 and is shown in more than 40 galleries across the US. Prior to beginning his work with hand carved stone Ron has worked extensively with leather, wood cabinetry and even jewelry. Learn more about Ron White, his work, or purchase your own selection at http://www.derivedfromnature.com.
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Elegance with Stone Wall Water Features
Have you ever visited a river, brook or stream in which the water just barely "glazed" the stones as it passed over them? This is one of the loveliest patterns created by natural bodies of water, and it can be easily enjoyed indoors when you install stone wall water features.
How is that? If you take a look at a high-quality vendor of stone wall water features, you will notice immediately that the fixtures all present the viewer with something similar to the experience out in the "wild". The gentle streams of water pour down from the top of the stone and glide across the surface of the smooth or the carved stone. Depending upon the structure of the stone and the way the fountain is designed, the sounds emanating from the wall water features can be very subtle or quite pronounced. Either way, they tend to all work their remarkable effects on those who hear them.
Need an example? Let's say that your preferred style of décor is minimal with a somewhat Asian emphasis. You have boldly colored walls, simple furniture, and a distinct lack of clutter. The artwork you choose reiterates your theme and can include basic landscapes, abstract images, or natural scenes. This makes your space the ideal place for one of the stone or pebble wall water features that present the visitor or inhabitant with another element of nature and interaction.
One of the most impressive styles of stone fountains to choose are those that are entirely without a frame. Unlike more common fountains that can feature a basin and a header along with light fixtures, the wall fountains that use only the stone slabs and the simple basins can really make a tremendous impact. They usually have the water entering through small holes carved directly into the stone, and this gives them an even more natural look that can really create a totally unique sound and experience apart from other types of fountains.
One thing to remember when a fountain is to be a main feature in the room is the fact that it will need a supply of electricity. This might mean that you will need to have a professional electrician install an outlet in the area immediately behind the unit in order to maintain the very clean and natural appearance of the stone slab hanging against the wall. This may add a small amount to the cost of the project, but is well worth it.
About the Author
Polly Godwin has been an expert on water fountains since 1998 and is the owner of KineticFountains.com, a company specializing in the highest quality outdoor fountains and garden fountains. Visit KineticFountains.com today for expert advice and quality water fountains.