Studio: Welding Pattern Test on Back of Frame

Today Rob taught me how to weld, and I figured out how to create unique patterns, which, on the reverse side, shows up as colour distortion.

Photo of back of frame: 

Photos of the front side of frame/ welding outcome:

After applying the Owatorol Oil:

Reflections:

• This test was very successful, and worked even better than I had hoped. The patterns I managed to achieve through this process, were abstract, and caused by me moving the welder in the moment - trying to cover all the areas on the metal.
• The intricate details are captivating for the viewer, and are the outcome of the process itself. 
• I feel more involved with the process with this method, and I have more control over how the details will look. 
• In certain areas the steel looks bluer, and that is through applying the welds for longer amounts of time. I enjoy the variation of the patterns. 
• Applying the oil to it seemed to dull the colours slightly, so I will see what it is like when it dries, but I may decide to use a spray paint varnish instead, and will need to test the varnish too. 

Further development:

• I have decided that this will be what I choose to do for my final piece - this welding technique to apply the detail pattern to the mild steel. 
• On my final piece I will focus on a variation of patterns, and keep going back and forth until I am happy with the coverage of colours, aiming towards the bluer tones as this is what appeals to me the most.
• I want to create the details so that they look to be the most visually appealing that they can - and consume the viewer the most, so I will work on paying attention to detail within the welding process. 
• It will be a 'conversation' with the material, and a manipulation of the material to its fullest. 
• I intend to make the viewer aware of the materials properties and captivate them through the use of these patterns, as it's a property of the material that isn't widely known, or used in art works. 

Final Designs:

• I want to create a large scale piece, so I'm thinking about 2 meters wide and 1 meter tall.  

Studio Update: Oil Update/ Reflection

• After a few days, the oil has dried nicely, but it has kept a darker tone to the metal. This means the discolouration that I love isn't as vibrant, and looks more orange than blue. It also gives a shine which I don't mind that much. 
• I will not be continuing with using this oil on the final piece, as it is too dull, therefore, I will test using a clear spray paint varnish.