Willow Sculpture / Willow Art FAQ compiled by sculptor and designer Laury Dizengremel What is willow? The genus of the plant Salix (from the Latin word for willow). How many types of willow are there? There are dozens of varieties of Salix, from large trees to small shrubs. Some grow straight upwards in long tall reeds with or without branches, others grow and hang (weeping willow or curly variety), some are known for their ornamental qualities, others for their structural characteristics. There is a lot to learn about willow on Wikipedia. How to preserve or maintain a dried out (non-living) willow sculpture ... willow maintenance tips? First your willow sculpture must be completely dry (i.e. it should feel and look dry) before doing any maintenance as otherwise the suggested treatment will not be absorbed by the willow. Thereafter, as often as possible (once a year, twice a year or more...), on a non-raining day if the sculpture is too large to move under cover, after the sculpture has air dried as much as possible i.e. any recent rain is no longer a factor, spray it with a 50% linseed oil mixed with 50% white spirits or turpentine mix, using a simple household spray bottle. Spray it lightly but thoroughly from all sides and from underneath (where accessible). The more frequent the application of this mix, the longer the lifespan of your willow sculpture. How does one obtain willow? You can grow your own reeds in a willow bed (plant cuttings from November to late March), or purchase lengths of willow reeds from any good supplier. Willow cuttings and willow reeds are available in many varieties and in different lengths / girths to suit your requirements. What type of willow is suitable for dry willow sculpture / willow art? Salix Viminalis, Salix Triandra and Salix Purperea are best for creating sculptures or two dimensional art. The last two are also good for finer basketry. Any type of willow that you weave / bind or otherwise assemble together in its pliable (recently cut) state can be left to dry under cover, and when fully dry it can then be protected with a 50/50 ratio mix of boiled linseed oil and turpentine either sprayed or brushed on. What is the difference between dry willow and living willow (whether in a willow sculpture or a willow structure) ? Dry willow objects are transportable, they need protection to last outdoors. Living willow sculptures or structures must remain on their planted site and will last forever as long as they are properly maintained and trimmed back as required. Can I use ornamental willow in a dry willow sculpture or structure? There is no reason not to - as long as you can weave it in! Ornamental willow would usually not be your main media (other types of willow such as Salix Viminalis or Salix Purperea are better suited to the task), but you could always add some in if it is pliable enough. Do you always need a metal armature for willow sculpture? The short answer is no. It all depends on how large / sturdy your sculpture needs to be, how many points of it touch the ground and so on. Best growing conditions for willow? Sunny or partial shade only locations are best, little or no competition from weeds, sufficient rainfall or watering whilst roots are being established. |
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