Defining Wall Sculptures

In its most basic context a wall sculpture is any 2.5d or 3d sculpted or carved object made for wall mounting. The term wall sculpture is a generic term used by those in home decor or interior decorating. Artists can use this catch all term yet often will refer to their work with more specific definitions to their medium.

I have laid out the different types of wood art in another article. There very specific meaning is given behind the purposes and value differences in 2.5d and 3d art. Essentially 2.5 or 3d is a reference to hand cutting, shaping, or a milling processes from a technical perspective.

When referencing artwork of this nature these differences greatly impact value and also its function. Not all pieces described as such are wall sculptures. Some of these works are free standing pieces and thus do not meet the classification for wall use. Here is where the generic decorator term can be used by artists to classify a group from a set within their work.

Most Common Wall Sculpture Pieces

The most common wall variety can range widely when looking at online stores. Not all should be classified as wall sculptures. Yet hand it to marketing and anything can be added to a group name. This epidemic is especially true within the mass produced decor world.

Typically the most common true pieces to fit this variety are handmade to some degree with natural materials. Glasswork can be included as it is fashioned from a natural material to be what it is. Wood art is among the most common yet also stone, pottery, and other materials can be found.

Alternative media is also viable through stucco, epoxy resin art, and even 3d printing has made waves in this arena. While these specific processes are alternatives to purely natural materials their function is the same. Purely machined projects through 3d printing begins to leave the art world stepping into decor.

It is not uncommon to see natural materials enhanced by another means. Epoxy resin is a perfect example to this end. Nevertheless at its source the natural world is what is used foundationally.

Crafts And Crafted Objects

There is a difference to be found in crafts and then hand crafted objects. One is done as a hobby such as wreaths and the other made by an artist craftsman. These two while using similar terms are objectively different.

Many of the works made will fall into these two categories when not made by a common label manufacturer for decor. The common label you will find at places like Walmart or Hobby Lobby. The Crafts you can find on Etsy or local craft shows. These people I like to call the makers of the hobby.

The work of a craftsman ranges from furniture to wood art or other sculpted objects. The difference in quality relates to its price. Never expect to pay a Walmart price for what an artist creates. Likewise there is no comparison to the end product one receives. The former will eventually be thrown away while the art will remain often for a lifetime.

Why Use 2.5D Wall Sculptures?

A 2.5d work will encompass what is often called relief art by an artist. It is a sculpture but is rendered in a way one can relate to like braille. The work stands out from the surface creating a contour yet is not a stand alone object. The hands can feel the art as it is raised from the surface.

Works of this nature are perfect for walls. They do not protrude out into walking spaces obstructing high traffic areas. It offers an effect and impact within art that is different from 2d works like painting, drawings, or prints.

The additional benefit is that one can have alternative mediums on display within the home. As stated before this can range from wood to printed objects. Most common is wood, clay, or glass when dealing with art.

Wood offers a very natural beauty and its grain is an art within itself when done by an artist. Rarer varieties of wood are used in the creation process that cannot be commonly found. This alone drives up the price for the value in media used.

Clay likewise is unique when done by an artist. Not all clays are equal nor is what can be fashioned when done by skilled hands. Pottery has its unique place among arts.

Glass too has an amazing touch when done by a real artist. Often these works will be stand alone 3d objects. Yet there are still many who produce works for wall purposes.

Each of these provide the ultimate unique appearance in a 2.5d wall sculpture while minimizing the footprint. They are perfect for gaining an edge in aesthetics in home decor.

The 3d Wall Sculpture Oddity

I call the 3d version of wall sculptures an oddity for good reason. It is not that it is bad but its use is very selective. The main issue behind an object of this nature is that it protrudes from a wall substantially.

A 3d sculpture is much like any other 3d object found within the home. The larger the profile the more odd it becomes to wall mount. Over couches, beds, or where a vaulted ceiling provides additional wall space they are more common to find.

When placed in common traffic areas they obstruct traffic and become eye sores. Of the more common features one may find in a home are plates which are mounted to walls. It is a delicate object which requires its own safe space.

Artists And 3d Objects Vs Manufactured

You will find many more manufactured wall sculptures of the 3d variety. As I am writing this I can only think of a few artists which purposefully focus on genuine 3d wall art. Typically if an artist produces a 3d object it is stand alone to be placed on a horizontal surface not a wall.

The reason for not finding many artists who create 3d wall sculptures goes back to it being an oddity. There are specific conditions for what that piece would need to apply to. A work in free standing art is easier to apply to function and decor.

Having said that I will detail one exception to this general rule. Those who work within areas such as driftwood art often will create pieces for walls. Yet these works still maintain a minimal profile in order to minimize the depth of the footprint.

If one sees a work and its price makes it appear to be worth more than it is ensure it is first not done by an artist. If it is manufactured then it may in fact be overpriced.

Where The Wall Becomes Art

There are other varieties which one can find but are far more rare due to costs. Instead of a sheetrock wall imagine the wall to be wood. It then is carved for the purpose of being art. The same wall could be done in other mediums such as stucco.

Clearly this is not a common feature within most homes. As a luxury this can be found in other places in the world. Within some cultures it can be attributed as a sign of wealth and power. Within North America these features are difficult to find as being typically outside of our culture.

A Term For Marketing More Than Art

As stated before that while there are a few artists who will produce 3d wall pieces it is more rare. Normally we will refer to our work as relief art, or another descriptor related to the medium which is used. In my work wood art is a common term used by many.

Never have I heard the term wall sculpture except within certain situations. Due to this if you are looking for work by an artist you would do well to search with another term format. There are many concepts which home decor manufacturers and interior decorators cook up to be used as a catch all for products.

This does not take away from the fact that there are some cool things out there in the market with this description. Just know what you are paying for. Do not be duped into thinking that something is art if it is not.

This collective gathering of products bothers me less than outright hijacking of artist terminology for products. Makers in my circles are notorious for using wood art when what they provide is anything but that.

Yes I use modern machinery as well. Yet the difference is I can do without it while they cannot. What I create I can do with my hands. Machinery reduces the cost of my work for those who enjoy it compared to paying 3 to 5 times the price. Mass producers will use any term they can to get their stuff in front of people.

How To Use Wall Sculptures In Home Decor

Here I will begin to refer to other articles I have written due to how deep this topic can become. Much will be based upon personal needs or taste. There is no single catch all answer. Yet when it comes to things such as this using the general rules for artwork helps a lot.

Maintaining a minimalist mindset is important. Too much makes for a lot of noise. Also knowing how to select pieces of art will impact what sculptures you select even if manufactured. The more that is represented within a sculpture the more it can stand alone with less noise around it.

The more any work can project in image, meaning, and definition the more prominent it will become in its setting. In turn it begins to define that space and other decor objects should reflect or support it. Otherwise it becomes out of place.

If one is wanting to stay with a more natural feel then thinking natural is the way to go. I have dealt before with the health benefits this line of thinking brings physically, emotionally, and mentally. Natural materials have a way of reconnecting us to the past away from a plastic world.

While it is really difficult for sculpture art of any kind to be non representational it definitely can become more abstract in its nature. With this many of the benefits found within non representational art are still present for wall sculptures if you choose to seek this path.

The variety within this arena is so vast it really is impossible to cover every application. So when you approach new items really step back and ask what you get from it. Aside from the cute factor is there a deeper meaning to it? What makes it worthy of your space?

If it is something that you can either build around, or use to support other genuine art, then it may be a nice piece for your home. I am not against decor just the obsession our world has over it. When used properly it is accommodating to our needs.

Warning About Mounting Heavy Sculptures

This is very important. No one wants anyone to get hurt from improperly mounting a piece of decor and it falling. Some of these items can be really odd. When in doubt weigh them and then get appropriate hardware.

Some of the hardware, when provided by those you can buy from, does not match up with what is really needed. There are so many options out there today in terms of what hardware can support and still allow you to mount virtually anywhere on a wall. I give this same kind of warning with my work as pieces can be in excess of 10 lbs at times.

Wall studs are nice for mounting but not always a requirement. Toggle bolts can do wonders if used properly for some items. If you find yourself needing a lag bolt it must be one serious piece of home decor. Just enjoy safely and ensure that you are pleased with the outcome you find.