Sculpture Pieces Archives - Page 3 of 4

Monthly Archives: Sculpture Pieces

A custom fabrication professional is welding pieces of metal

What is Custom Fabrication?

Metal fabrication is a broad term that encompasses the entire process of building anything from raw metal materials. This means everything from cutting and shaping to the final assembly. But, to create a piece that meets your structural needs, you need custom fabrication services to truly make it your own.

EG Structural is looking to change how people perceive public art by creating incredible art installations and brand identities that excite the public. However, our mission would amount to nothing without the strong expertise of the custom fabrication professionals we partner with. Read our blog post below to learn what exactly they do and how they play an important role in the public art community.

What Do Custom Fabrication Professionals Do?

Metal fabrication contractors use manual tools alongside machinery to create metal objects or structures by bending, cutting, and assembling various metal materials. They work very closely with their clients on what they are looking for and determining the best course of action in how to achieve their vision. When working on our projects, custom fabrication experts will examine our conceptual designs and strategically figure out what needs to be done to craft its shape and scale.

What Can You Create with Custom Fabrication?

We’re not exaggerating when saying that they can pretty much create anything. Whether you’re looking to build beautiful railings for your staircase or construction equipment parts for your project, they are proficient at the job. They’ll be able to stretch metal materials to meet the dimensions of your project. Additionally, they can use sectional metals such as I-beams, Z shapes, hollow structural sections, and bars and rods for each unique project.

8 Steps in the Custom Fabrication Process

According to Reinke & Schomann, Inc., the average metal fabrication expert will encompass some or all of the following steps in their project.

Cutting
Forming
Welding
Machining
Punching
Shearing
Stamping
Casting

The process may seem strenuous, but it’s a very important process that ensures your structure takes shape. Without the expertise of fabrication professionals and their 8 step process, our works such as our Mesa Del Sol and Tulsa Route 66 signs would not be possible.

How to Choose a Fabricator

Choosing the right custom fabrication shop that will meet your project needs is probably the most important decision you can make. It can affect every aspect of projects like the manufacturing rate, production quality, and cost-effectiveness. Additionally, it can even affect when the project will be completed. Some things to consider when bringing on a fabricator includes:

Experience: Just like with any job you need done, you want an experienced team working on your project. This will ensure you’re getting quality work that meets your standards.
Industries served: It’s also helpful to pick a custom fabrication team that is used to working in your industry or on projects of your scale. Some shops will specialize in one or two types of fabrication, while others may work with a wide variety of businesses.
Resources: Many fabrication shops use a variety of materials and tools to build incredible structures. When searching for the right team for your project, you may consider what materials, machinery, and tools they have on hand to get the job done.
Stock materials: Another important aspect to consider when choosing your fabrication shop is if they already have or can form the specific metal to your project needs. If they have a metal supplier, you may consider looking into them as well to check into their reputation.

EG Structural Works With Many Incredible Custom Fabrication Experts

EG Structural is fortunate to have partnered with several wonderful individuals to design public art that highlights their unique communities. We combine intense research, strong conceptual design, custom fabrication, and engineering expertise to develop landmarks that inspire engagement. We help build an identity that exhibits what it means to be a part of a community.

The chicago bulls MJ statue public art outside United Center

When Two Worlds Collide: Sports and Public Art

Municipalities and commercial buildings aren’t the only ones investing in public art installations. Sports organizations and arenas have been enlisting in the creative minds of public artists to craft art pieces that energize their fans. But, what exactly goes into creating art for sports organizations, and what are its benefits?

At EG Structural, it is our mission to bring your unique personality to life with incredible art. We’re founded on the principle that functional art can exhibit the incredible identity behind the communities and commercial properties where they stand. The power it has on our communities is tremendous and can help elevate your branding to a whole new level. Read our blog post below to learn how public art can energize one’s sports organization.

What Exactly is Public Art?

While there isn’t a clear definition of exactly what it is, public art is a reflection of how we see the world. It’s a community identifier that highlights what makes a business, community, or one’s history so unique. It can be big or small, abstract or realistic, carved, cast, or assembled; there are no rules to creating a piece of art that demands attention. The only requirement that public art must follow is that it is public. Meaning, it should be made to engage with the community.

Think of some of the most astounding sculpture pieces in the United States; Cloud Gate, LOVE Philadelphia, The Wall Street Bull, etc. They capture the imagination of the public and create a one-of-a-kind experience for people who interact with them.

How Does Public Art Relate to Sports?

Believe it or not, art can be found in almost every corner of life. It doesn’t matter what you’re into, art probably isn’t too far behind it. In fact, sports and art aren’t that different.

Much like art, sports is a highly visual activity that not only energizes viewers; it inspires them. One could argue that the athleticism of many athletes and how they move is an art form in itself. It’s not uncommon for organizations to commemorate certain achievements, athletes, and team history with incredible displays of public art.

Look at the Michael Jordan statue inside of the atrium of the United Center in Chicago. When Jordan retired from the Chicago Bulls after the 1992-1993 NBA season, the Bulls owner Jerry Reindorf commissioned Omri and Julie Rotblatt-Amrany to construct a bronze statue to commemorate an athlete that transcended the sport of basketball. Today, the statue holds a special place in the heart of Chicago and basketball fans around the world. It attracts visitors and is heavily used in celebrations when the Bulls or Chicago Blackhawks succeed.

A New Approach to Public Art in Sports

Recently, the NBA’s Golden State Warriors moved to their new arena at the Chase Center in San Francisco. The new building is chock full of modern amenities and high-end concessions. It also features incredible sculpture pieces to heighten the guest experience.

The Chase Center has over 40 pieces of art on display, including pieces from Alexander Calder and Isamu Noguchi, both of which are on an indefinite loan from the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art.

What exactly is the reason for this?

It’s not just to invigorate the fan experience or push the envelope of stadium aesthetics. It’s meant to make the stadiums more attractive for rentals when the home team isn’t in town or during their off-season. The area’s owners and operations hope that they can attract clients looking for big venues to host their events.

EG Structural Proudly Creates Public Art That Resonates

With sports arenas continuing to invest in large-scale art installations, it appears that art and sports will continue to have a loving relationship. With proper funding and excellent designs, organizations can benefit a great deal from excellent pieces of art.

At EG Structural we have a passion for creating projects that inspire. For over 25 years, Eric Garcia has provided strong conceptual design to develop timeless public art projects that embody the spirit of our clients. Whether they’re a corporate entity or a municipality, we see what makes them special and design a sculpture that highlights their exceptionality.

If your organization is looking for a private commission sculpture piece, contact EG Structural today and we’ll be in touch with you as soon as possible!

Eric Garcia, EG Structural Founder and Artist with his tulsa route 66 sign piece sculpture artists

Inspirations: How Life and Sculpture Artists Inspire EG Structural

The foundation of every large-scale art project is the desire to tell a story. Much like public art itself, sculpture artists have a unique story of their own. Eric Garcia, EG Structural’s founder, and artist, has a strong passion for the arts and elevates every private commission piece to the next level. But, where did the passion begin and what is driving him today?

EG Structural constructs public art installations that invoke a response. We capture the unique qualities of a community and memorialize them through fine art. Read our blog post below to learn about Eric’s journey and what led him to start EG.

It Started in New Mexico…

Eric Garcia was born in Santa Fe, New Mexico surrounded by beauty. From the mountains and foliage that encompass the town to the incredible amount of art; there was always something that caught his eye. There’s a reason why artists like Andrew Dansburg, Randall Davey, Will Shuster, and most famously, Georgia O’Keefe; called Santa Fe home. The city as we know it owes its identity to the creative minds that helped shape its community and continue to influence the artistic passions of its residents.

Naturally, Eric’s passion for art started with a love for the craft and how it empowers an emotional response from its viewer. He started as a fine artist who focused on painting and sketching but turned his attention to sculpting after seeing/meeting a variety of Santa Fe sculpture artists. Shortly after he started designing small-scale pieces that incorporated bronze and plaster.

Allan Houser Demanded Attention Through Minimalist Designs

One of the many sculpture artists that inspired Eric was Allan Houser, an acclaimed sculptor whose work is featured in museums, private, and corporate collections around the world. He is one of the most renowned Native American and Modernist sculptors of the 20th century.

Eric explained, “I am amazed to this day about how simple his sculpture pieces were, and how they still hold a powerful message in their design. He took minimalistic styling to a whole new level and it just really resonated with me,” he continues, “he was a huge part of why I got into sculpting.”

Michael Naranjo Doesn’t Just Create Art, He Creates an Experience

Another sculpture artist that has influenced Eric tremendously is the Native American sculptor, Michael Naranjo. Raised in Taos, New Mexico; Michael was surrounded by art and was drawn to it naturally through his mother. He would eventually lose his sight during combat in the Vietnam War, but it did not stop his love for creating art.

Naranjo once said, “Being blind makes the pace of life slower; you can’t walk fast or grab things quickly. Life is more gentle and soft and the change brought my creative energies out.” This mindset is not only seen in his sculpture pieces but it is also felt. Viewers are strongly encouraged to interact with his art by closing their eyes and simply feeling it as if they were in Naranjo’s shoes.

Virgil Ortiz: A Childhood Friend and Impressive Inspiration

Virgil Ortiz is a jack of all trades. A sculptor, a potter, fine artist, and fashion designer; but to Eric, he’s a good friend. Virgil’s style is heavily influenced by traditional Native American patterns and aesthetics while incorporating intricate freeform designs that make his work truly stand out.

“When you see one of Virgil’s pieces, you instantly know it’s one of his. His style is truly unique and he has such a way of bringing his thoughts and ideas to life with abstract designs.” Eric explains further, “it’s something as an artist we strive for and I am so proud to see Virgil achieve what he has.”

EG Structural Are Creative Sculpture Artists That Empower Communities

For over 25 years, EG Structural has been on a mission to create private commission work that evokes a response from community members. Whether we’re developing creative wayfinding designs or large-scale sculpture pieces, we always look for ways to shine a light on our clients’ identities. Contact us today to learn how we can highlight your unique background.

Custom Art Fabrications in front of the Seattle skyline

Make a Statement For Your Brand with Custom Art Fabrications

Everybody wants their business to stand out in their community. It should be the talk of the town; a hub that people gravitate towards because of how unique it is. One way that this can be achieved is by introducing custom art fabrications into your business. Art has the power to communicate and resonate with the public, and by investing in exceptional pieces, your business will surely stand out.

At EG Structural, we believe art brings people together. A well-designed piece can bring out what is truly unique about your property and boost awareness of your brand. Read our article below and learn how public art can enrich your brand equity.

Custom Art Fabrications Act as a Form of Communication

Artistic communication is essential in today’s diverse world because people are more conscious of design elements. Additionally, they’re more conscious about who they decide to shop or use service from. Public art installations are an excellent way for businesses to communicate with their customers by highlighting what makes their business unique.

If you’ve ever taken a long road trip and stopped at a Sinclair gas station, you might have noticed a giant green dinosaur planted in front of the building. It’s obviously another way to highlight the brand’s logo, but it’s also become a beloved sight for travelers. It’s not uncommon for people to stop at a Sinclair station, fuel up on gas and take a picture in front of the green prehistoric statue. It creates a unique experience that can only be made at the gas station chain.

Custom Art Fabrications Help Make Brand Activations Extra Special

In today’s competitive business environment, standing out means creating unique experiences for guests. One way this can be accomplished is through brand activations. Brand activations refer to the process of making your brand known to people by increasing awareness and engagement through a number of marketing functions. One of those functions includes in-store promotions and events.

One way you can make a statement for your brand is by incorporating cool sculpture pieces or large-scale art into your event. Additionally, you can use it to create an overall aesthetic, unique to your business alone. Custom art can give you the power to make your event and business memorable to guests and solidify their return for future purchases.

Public Art Installations Spread The Word… Digitally!

Say what you will about social media, its impact on marketing businesses have been instrumental. Why? Because it allows you to engage with your audience and allows them to share their thoughts about you with their followers. Additionally, when you incorporate a well-designed piece of art into your business, it has a good chance of going viral. Resulting in an increase in brand awareness and more people interested in seeing the work in person.

Art and social media go hand-in-hand, so combining the two can have a tremendous effect on your business. Look at our Roswell, New Mexico Welcome Signs. Since installing these signs, tourists have made it a point to stop and engage with them. If you jump on social media, you’ll see travelers take selfies in front of the signage and continue to journey through the town. The sign creates a fun, interactive way to bring people into the community while highlighting the town’s unique identity.

Enhance Your Brand with EG Structural’s Custom Art Fabrication

A custom fabrication professional welding a large-scale art piece

Custom Fabrication and the Design of Public Art Installations

Picture if you will an artist concepting a piece of large-scale art inside a cluttered office space. It’s beautifully intricate and will make a great addition to any public space to attract onlookers. There’s one problem. How would you bring this Godzilla-sized masterpiece to life? The answer is custom fabrication professionals.

For over 25 years, EG Structural has been reimagining how communities engage with public art. We take pride in highlighting the best of one’s community through functional large-scale art installations. However, none of this would be possible without the hard work and dedication of the custom fabrication experts we partner with on our projects. They’re the unsung heroes and this article is meant to help you understand why they’re so vital in public art.

Fabrication Engineers Answer the Age-Old Artistic Question, “How Will We Do This?”

“How will we do this?” This question haunts every public artist after concepting an exciting idea. Fortunately, there’s usually an answer in the form of a custom fabrication professional.

When you partner with fabrication engineers you’re provided with the support and knowledge needed to effectively bring your idea to life. They’re simply paramount in the installation process as they’ll know how to situate your large-scale art securely and accurately with respect to the concept.

Custom Fabrication Meets Innovations

Just like with any structural build, you’re bound to face some challenges. Fabrication engineers are experts in solving the smallest obstacles to canyon-sized challenges. They’re knowledgeable in the best techniques to identify, solve, and maintain solutions to ensure art projects go off without a hitch. Additionally, they’re just as creative as the artist themselves by coming up with solutions that bring the artist’s concept to life.

One of the ways they’re able to achieve this is by using the latest technology. It’s not uncommon for custom fabrication professionals to use computer graphics, computer-aided engineering software, and geometry and object modeling to develop curve, surface, and object representations. These tools come in handy when figuring out the stability and reality of a public art build. Moreover, they’re used to identify problem areas and determine the best course of action to solve them.

Custom Fabrication Engineers Enhance The Artist’s Vision

According to The New York Times, “fabricating is a bit like producing a record; you are trying to enhance the artist’s vision, which is sometimes meticulously conceived and other times inchoate”. We’re artists, we don’t conceive our pieces with what materials we’ll use or how we’ll install them in mind. At least, not entirely. This is often an afterthought that isn’t considered until after conceptualization.

The artist will work with the fabrication engineer in developing a strategy and brainstorm ways to bring the art to life. This involves determining the overall look and feel of the sculpture piece by figuring out what materials should be used to construct the piece. Some materials EG Structural has used in its large-scale art includes:

Foam
Acrylics
Plaster
Steel
LED lighting
And much more

EG Structural Is Proud To Partner With Incredible Fabricators

A design means nothing without the help of custom fabrication engineers. They’re an incredible asset to the public artist and must secure the longevity and integrity of the structure. Whenever we work on a large-scale art project, we look to them for their knowledge and experience.
EG Structural is fortunate to have partnered with several wonderful individuals to design public art that highlights their unique communities. We combine intense research, strong conceptual design, custom fabrication, and engineering expertise to develop landmarks that inspire engagement. We help build an identity that exhibits what it means to be a part of a community. Contact us today to learn about our expertise and how we can help boost your identity.

An Open-Air Sculpture of a head covered in Ivy at the Hakone Open air Musuem

What Open-Air Sculpture Pieces Can Do For Your Community

Public art installations have long been recognized as an asset for communities. However, because many of its benefits are intangible, its priority is often overlooked. Yet, several communities around the world that prioritize open-air sculpture pieces see increased levels of community engagement and social unity.

For over 25 years, EG Structural’s founder and artist, Eric Garcia, has worked with a number of communities to develop sculpture pieces that identify their unique identities. We believe art is a powerful tool and when it’s created by the right hands, it can elevate your city’s wellbeing. Read our blog post below and learn what open-air sculptures and other public art installations can do for your town.

Open-Air Sculpture Pieces Promotes Social Cohesion

A study conducted by Knight Foundation in 2012 highlights how important public art is in community socialization. They surveyed approximately 43,000 people in various cities, and found “social offerings, openness and welcome-ness” and “aesthetics of a place — its art, parks and green spaces” ranked higher than education, safety, and local economy as a driver for their loyalty to their towns.

It is up to the city planner and recreation department to bind its resources, facilities, and settings to create spaces that inspire social openness. One way they’re achieving this is by combining their beautification projects with public art installations. In that Knight Foundation study, the organization found Philadelphia residents, in particular, ranked viewing public art as the second most popular activity. Ahead of hiking, jogging, biking, and other recreational activities.

Sculpture Pieces Can Drive Tourism

One of the biggest things communities benefit from when installing open-air sculptures and other public art pieces is its ability to draw in tourists. Take Cloud Gate, or The Bean, in Chicago. Everyday people flock to Millennium Park to see this enormous reflective monument and engage with the piece. According to Stone Fox Chicago, 12 million tourists visit the bean each year and it generates a lot of revenue for the city and the surrounding businesses.

Though, Chicago is a major city and attracts out of towners regardless of the public art they install. Smaller towns and cities that install their sculpture pieces attract people from all over as well. For example, our Roswell, New Mexico Welcome Signs have enticed passersby with inviting designs that highlight the town’s fun history of the paranormal. As seen from the people who plaster their stickers from all over the world, the structures promote a high level of engagement. Additionally, it’s become a hot spot for travelers to take photos and share them across their social media profiles, spreading their brand even further.

Open-Air Sculpture Pieces Can Involve The Entire Community

One of the things we learned from our Roswell Welcome Signs was how important it is to gauge how the residents feel about your public art. While tourists will enjoy the signage, they won’t have to look at them every day. So it was important for us to hold town meetings and get feedback from residents before fabrication and installation. Fortunately, they loved the signage and we moved forward with the concepts.

Additionally, residents can be a part of the construction and maintenance process for the structure. According to Snyder & Associates, citizens and organizations who volunteer to help in these areas minimize the overall cost for the city. Moreover, it gives locals the ability to feel like they’re a part of the community, and down the line feel proud they’re a part of this public art piece.

EG Structural is Passionate About Public Art and How it Resonates

At EG Structural we have a passion for creating projects that inspire. We create timeless public art projects that embody the spirit of our clients and their community. Whether they’re a corporate entity or a municipality, we see what makes them special and design an open-air sculpture piece that highlights their exceptionality.

If your organization is looking for a private commission sculpture piece, contact EG Structural today and we’ll be in touch with you as soon as possible!

EG Structural's Hine's Development commercial sculpture piece inside their lobby

Beautify Your Property With Commercial Sculpture Pieces

Art is an essential part of our daily lives. This is especially true in our professional environments. A 2014 study conducted by Harvard shows that employees respond positively to art in the workplace. The research indicates murals and commercial sculpture pieces promote social interaction, elicit emotional responses, enhances the workplace environment, and fosters learning. Whether you’re a B2B or a B2C art is a powerful tool to attract/retain employees and customers to your business.

At EG Structural, we’re more than just a structural design company. We’re creative thinkers on a mission to create extraordinary sculpture pieces for ordinary spaces. We’ve seen firsthand how impactful art can be on one’s business and we strive to beautify commercial properties. Read our article below to learn more about the impact art has on the workplace.

Commercial Sculptures Liven Up Offices

According to Work Design, art is being used to break up and define large, open office spaces. Designers are using more kinetic art sculpture pieces and other large-scale art to take advantage of high ceilings and large expansive areas. Additionally, the larger open spaces allow for more glass art and innovative light installations. Also, art is being used as the centerpiece for lunch and lounge areas. Why? Because art has an incredible knack for bringing people together and promoting social interaction.

While there are many different styles and types of art you can go with, it’s important to note what is trending. Traditional commercial spaces are transitioning to more contemporary designs to suit a more contemporary workplace. Designs that incorporate photography, murals, and sculpture pieces give commercial properties a more modern, welcoming feel.

Art Installations Make a Statement About Company Culture

Recently, EG Structural had the pleasure of partnering with Hines Development on a private commission project to produce a sculpture for their new Phoenix office. They’re an incredible company with developments across the United States. They’re continuously growing and experienced in what they do. We wanted to capture that in our sculpture piece to highlight the company’s strong company culture.

EG Structural’s founder and artist, Eric Garcia, personally developed several designs that embodied the spirit of this wonderful organization. Finally, one design stuck out from the rest. One that incorporates elements of nature, motion, and growth in an 18×7 foot space to inspire those who see it.

Eric used an assortment of mixed media for the commission project such as wood, styrofoam, paper mache, paper towels, acrylic, and plaster to construct a large tree with leaves falling from the branches. The tree symbolizes the idea of growth and stability, correlating with Hines’ experience and continued expansion.

Commercial sculptures and other art projects are effective branding tools. When you incorporate the right art it can support the company’s corporate identity, history, values, and overall mission. The piece is uniquely yours. Not just for being in your building, but for the meaning behind it.

Enhance The Architecture with Commercial Sculptures

For centuries, designers have been looking for effective ways to combine the beauty of art and architecture. The balance can be tricky to get right, but once it’s done it creates a wonderful environment. The fusion between art and architecture can turn an ordinary building into one that demands attention and attracts people.

Chapman Taylor describes the fusion perfectly, “Art needs an appropriately built environment within which it can be showcased to greatest effect, while architecture needs art to turn bricks, steel, and concrete into a space in which people want to live, to learn, to shop, and to work.”

EG Structural Turns Properties Into Something Wonderful with Commercial Sculptures

If your organization is looking for a private commission commercial sculpture piece, contact EG Structural today and we’ll be in touch with you as soon as possible!

The Shuttlecock public art installation outside of the Nelson-Atkin's Art Museum in Kansas city

The Power Public Art Installations Has On Your Community

Public spaces and marketplaces are incredibly vital in every community. Without them, our communities would be dull and without character. One way cities and towns strive to build an engaging public space and drive people towards marketplaces is through public art installations. Art plays a critical role in the beautification projects, and further builds an identity unique to the cities and neighborhoods they reside.

Whether you’re a community space or a company, we believe you have a story. At EG Structural, it is our mission to bring it to life. We’re founded on the principle that functional public art can exhibit the incredible identity behind the communities and commercial properties where they stand. The power public art has on our communities is tremendous and that is why we’ve made this article – to highlight how it enriches our communities and drives our economy.

Public Art Installations Promote Interaction

According to Marquette University, public art is usually based on “shared meanings between the artist and the community, and consists of actions or works executed on behalf of the community as a whole”. This allows the community to create symbols associated with their spaces, creating an enjoyable and valuable experience for people who interact with the installation.

Look at public art installations like The Cloud Gate in Chicago or the LOVE sculpture in Philadelphia. These installations are highly interactive in the fact that they attract locals and tourists to engage with them. If you ever visit these incredible sculpture pieces, you’ll see thousands of people a day taking photos of the art, tour guides explaining their meaning, and admire its sheer magnificence.

Public Art Captivates The Youth of Our Community

Another way public art installations play a critical role in our community’s prosperousness is by connecting with the youth. Engaging them has several benefits. One is that it brings adults into the picture and influences them to engage with the art and area as well. The other is that it builds an identity and appreciation for one’s neighborhood and city early on.

An employee of EG Structural who grew up in Kansas City, Missouri, reflects on one of the city’s most popular public art installations, “one of my favorite sculpture pieces is easily the Shuttlecocks in front of the Nelson-Atkins Museum. As a child, it captured my imagination and was always a must-see when I’d walk through the park. Now that I am an adult I look upon the art fondly and every time I think of them, it’s like a trip back to my hometown.”

Public art installations are an incredible tool to build appreciation for one’s home. As seen by our employee, it allows us to reminisce and transports us back to the places we love. As public artists, that’s something we strive for in almost every project we undertake.

Public Art Installations Provide Social Value and Placemaking

As its name suggests, public art is uniquely accessible to almost all community members and passersby. It enables people to experience art in their daily lives and drives engagement. It encourages people to pay attention and perceive more deeply the environment they occupy. Also, public art stimulates learning and thought about our society and what it truly means to be part of a community.

Additionally, public art installations promote collaboration. The process typically asks the artist to collaborate with many community members throughout the project’s development. As a result, it builds a sense of shared ownership and collective connection to the sculpture piece. It becomes more than just a large-scale art project, it becomes a community energizer.

EG Structural Forges Ideas into Reality

The foundation of every large-scale art project is the desire to craft a story through visual design. Public art installations call for a strong vision, well-executed design, and experience custom fabrication to turn ideas into reality. At EG Structural, it is our mission to create private commission sculpture pieces that reflect the beauty and uniqueness of the areas they reside. Contact us today to learn how you can benefit from public art.

A custom fabrication professional is sawing a sheet of metal

3 Ways Custom Fabrication Shapes Public Art

Think of some of your favorite large-scale art installations. How did the artist construct such an incredible hulk of beauty? Custom fabrication. For thousands of years, artists have utilized assistants and professional fabricators to forge their designs into reality. Today, communities and artists alike rely on custom fabrication professionals to construct quality art installations that generate public interest and revenue.

EG Structural has been designing large-scale art pieces for communities and commercial properties for over 25 years. We’re proud to work with incredibly skilled fabrication engineers to bring our ideas to reality. They’re the unsung heroes of our field and we’re happy to share how they shape public art.

Custom Fabrication Calls for State-of-the-Art Methods

In today’s technological world, fabrication engineers are utilizing incredible innovations to bring artists’ designs to life. Additionally, they’re knowledgeable in the best techniques to efficiently construct an artistic landmark. It’s not uncommon for custom fabrication professionals to use computer graphics, computer-aided engineering software, and geometry and object modeling to develop curve, surface, and object representations.

When it came to our Tulsa Route 66 monument, we relied heavily on the expertise of fabrication engineers. The design incorporated large loops that surround the giant Tulsa Route 66 sign. Additionally, it called for several features like lighting fixtures, counter-weights, and other features that can withstand harsh weather conditions. The assistance we received from the fabricator is instrumental in the monument’s longevity and overall structural integrity.

Fabrication Engineers are Problem-Solvers

According to Art Work Archive, most projects begin with “how are we going to do this?”. This is a question every public artist will ask themselves as they design their large-scale art piece. Fortunately, when you partner with custom fabrication engineers you’re provided with the support and knowledge needed to effectively erect gorgeous structures.

We’re artists, we know how to conceptualize and design a project. We’re not engineers. That is why fabrication engineers are paramount in the installation process. They’ll know how to construct the monument and the best way to install it to secure structural integrity.

When it came to our Village of Los Lunas Welcome signage, custom fabrication was key. Because the off-ramp where the signs are located is elevated, the foundation was not a natural landscape. After testing the soil to determine its strength and depth, we had our fabricators construct and place a counterweight to the 22-foot high monument.

Custom Fabrication Involves Imagination and Innovation

We already mentioned that fabrication engineers are problem-solvers. They’re also very in-tune with the artists and creatives they work with. In order to bring our concepts to life, they work directly with us to figure out what engineering pieces need to be added to secure a quality piece. They’ll work with us to figure out how the art installation will function and how it is actually built. This involves an open mind and the ability to come up with ways to make the installation larger than life.

EG Structural Turns Ideas into Reality

A design means nothing without the help of custom fabrication engineers. They’re an incredible asset to the public artist and must secure the longevity and integrity of the structure. Whenever we work on a large-scale art project, we look to them for their knowledge and experience.

EG Structural is fortunate to have partnered with several wonderful individuals to design public art that highlights their unique communities. We combine intense research, strong conceptual design, custom fabrication, and engineering expertise to develop landmarks that inspire engagement. We help build an identity that exhibits what it means to be a part of a community. Contact us today to learn about our expertise and how we can help boost your identity.