Steel Sculptures Painted With Heat

Elon Ebanks creates both abstract and realistic fine art steel sculptures that flow in rhythmic order, just like in nature. He accidentally discovered, when working as a welder, that tig welding and heat tempering (with oxygen and acetylene gas) could create detail and color on steel. One day, he was repairing a cast iron motor mount and began to tig weld a crack when he saw the most beautiful shades of purple, blue and orange appear. Since then, he has used this technique to create fine details in his art.

Elon’s works can be as small as 8" x 8" or as large as 7' x 5', in the form of fine art sculptures and candelabras. On the show, he sculpts a 40" x 40" lion fish wall hanging out of 16-gauge mild steel. First he draws the desired design directly on the steel with soap stone. Then he burns the design out of the metal using a torch and hammers out the desired shape. He uses a tig welder to form the detail work on the head, fins and tail of the lion fish. Then the steel is heat tempered with oxygen and acetylene gas for color. Finally it is sealed with six coats of clear lacquer.

Although many artists have influenced Elon’s art, mother nature is his biggest inspiration. His intriguing artwork captures the eye and the imagination of the beholder.

Also in this Episode

Carol Duvall Show : Episode CDS-1711
•	Painted Parasol
•	Steel Sculptures Painted With Heat
•	Great Sticky Products