Concrete in Art - Creative Ideas We Love
When it comes to concrete, most people picture a dull gray color or cold driveways and sidewalks. However, this dismal substance that is used to pave roads and even build structures has much more potential than we give credit to. Although concrete art (or the concept of) can be dated back to millenniums ago - from cave paintings all the way to modern-day graffiti - we have also seen other forms of concrete art emerge over the past decade or so. In fact, many of these art forms can even be done at home or tailored to already existing hobbies and passions!
One admirable form of concrete art is as simple as chalk art (even the kids can join in). It is a generous and environmentally friendly way to share images, messages, and stories with passersby. Over the past year, we have seen more of this form of art due to quarantine and stay-at-home orders. How enjoyable and encouraging it is to be taking a morning stroll and see an encouraging message from families and friends who are quarantined together.
Another form of concrete art that has emerged is DIY sculptures. A popular trend that has been used for gifting, are concrete molds of hands. Whether it be children’s hands, couples, or even our furry friends' paw prints, these sentimental art forms have been a great way to get creative in gifting a lasting memory.
In addition to painting, molding, and drawing on concrete, it has also been used in a more surprising setting - gardens. Most times we would not associate concrete with gardens and flower beds, but due to the availability of supplies in crafting stores, hardware stores, and even at home, this is actually a fun and easy way to create art! Stepping outdoors is when we begin to see endless options and ideas for fun art and décor for inside and outside of the home. From concrete citronella holders to homemade potting, creativity is endless. There have even been sculptures and pots made by utilizing natural elements to add texture and design; like using leaves to give planters a realistic appearance of a plant being bundled by nature.
The few mentioned art projects and creations only begin to scratch the surface of endless possibilities to use concrete for art! If you are looking for a fun project this winter (or any time of year), do not be afraid to step away from the sketchpad and try to utilize new materials. You may be surprised what people have already created, and what you can come up with on your own! If you decide to add some flair to your sidewalks, driveway, garage, or even basement floor, make sure to work on level ground. And, if you end up seeing some concrete that needs leveling, give us a call today, we can come out to give you a free estimate and get your canvas smooth and ready in no time!