Sculpting With Cement

Encyclopedia of Sculpture Techniques comes in Persian

She said that the main reason for choosing this book is its comprehensive information in the practical field of sculpture and lack of related sources in Persian: "John Mills is one of the best contemporary English sculptors; he has focused on elevating technical quality of his works and this book is his only work that explains different stages of sculpture from the beginning up to final stages of painting and assembling."  John Mills was born in London on March 4, 1933. He studied at Hammersmith School of Art 1947-1954, and at the Royal College of Art 1956-1960. He was a resident at Digswell House 1962-1966 and currently lives at Hinxworth Place in Hertfordshire. He has published books like "Sculpture in Ciment Fondu", "The Technique of Sculpture", "Sculpture in Concrete", "The Technique of Casting for Sculpture", and "Sculpting the Human Figure".

Sculpted Luxury | One Less Brick In The Wall

This weekend I was in New York, and a friend of mine whipped out a New York Times Style Magazine, wanting to know if its possible to do with cob what was showcased in its glossy pages.

I took one look at the picture and gave her a robust YES. All the sculptural details of the house — those that made the house worth the media spotlight — could undoubtedly be expressed using cob.

Unfortunately, this house was not built with cob. It is, I believe, of stone exterior with a poured cement/plaster  interior, which does give it similar organic shapes. Owner Alexandre De Betak states that in designing the house he wanted to be eco-sensitive, by using various local materials. And of course that’s a great start, but much more can be done.

While I cannot give anything but praise for the space’s aesthetic design – it is unquestionably gorgeous – I also cannot help but laugh at the idea that this house somehow defines sculptural detailing as a form of architectural luxury.

? Because, as natural building principles consistently demonstrate, “hyper-visuality” is a trap that ignores equally vital senses like touch and smell. And that’s a shame. Many people, Americans especially, are sold on the looks and not the quality of an object, and then wonder why they’re not fully satisfied with their purchase.

Usually, cement feels dead, and is uncomfortable to be around. No matter what shape it takes, the material is inherently anti-human, and anti-life. Just consider its production, its temperature spikes, its potential toxic leeching, and of course its final destination as rubble in a landfill. Cement is not a smart choice for homes – no matter what your budget may be.