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Functional Works of Art
Functional Works of Art
Functional Works of Art are created to be used. They are designed to serve a purpose. They have a function, but they are also designed artistically for the purpose of displaying beauty. Furniture is the most common example of functional art. Functional art is designed to make us rethink the way we look at ordinary things.
Functional Works of Art Create Unique Interiors
Our functional works of art products add a special touch to places where there would be nothing attractive to look at. Ordinary elements such as HVAC vent covers are an important detail which can be transformed into an attractive feature in your decor.
Functional Art Represents a Category of Fine Art
Functional art represents a category of fine art which serves utilitarian purposes. Our Functional Works of Art are fine art which serves utilitarian purposes. Our designs begin with masterful carvings. We use historic composition ornament made from hand carved wood blocks, which was the same approach used by 19th century artisans. This immediately makes us stand out from our competitors who only make two-dimensional grilles. Our manufacturing process preserves the details of these excellent carvings.
Functional Works of Art Manufacturing Process
Our process begins with creating a master. We manipulate the designs in 3-dimensional software. The masters are cut with a CNC to create our functional works of art products line. All our models are made on a CNC milling machine. Even a small 6” x 10” piece takes 20 to 30 hours of constant machining on the CNC. The tooling used to cut the design is a tiny 1/64” tapered ball nose bit. This tiny bit is necessary to mill the fine detail and smooth surface required. It usually takes five to ten mock-ups to hone a 3-D drawing into a model worth pursuing further. To make each size, an exact 3-D drawing is made, then the tool paths computed so that the CNC can mill the new master. A master is a perfect copy of each grille size. A master is made out of an extremely hard material so that it will last forever. From that master, molds can be made so copies can be cast then sold. Smaller size grilles can be made in a day or two. The largest sizes can take eight to ten days of continuous milling, day and night. Rough cut bits wear out after fifteen hours. Finishing bits can cut continuously for five days or more. The spindle turns the bits at 17,000 rpm without any vibration. Making 70 different sizes of the same style grille can take three years from start to finish.
Resin is Perfect Choice for Functinal Works of Art
After each master is finished, molds are created in the negative, so that exact images of the masters can be cast, again and again until the mold wears out. Our products are handcast with the best quality Urethane resin, made by one of the world’s best resin producers. . Resin is appropriate for exterior use. Urethane resin is an exterior grade material which is impervious to water and UV rays. The resin castings preserve the beautiful details of the original carvings. Urethane resin is very expensive. We use this urethane resin because it gives a lost wax quality casting. In the Decorative Arts era most fine casting was done in the lost wax method. Today the cost of the labor and materials make the lost wax method of casting economically prohibitive.
After casting, all products are placed on tempered glass shelves in an industrial oven for curing. Heat curing actually enhances the qualities of the resin. It increases the tensile strength, dimensional stability and heat tolerance. Baking at high temperatures also quickens the natural curing process from seven days to eight hours.
Functional Works of Art Combine Function and Form
When we speak about interior or industrial design purposes, the functional side of the equation plays a role in the design process. The intent of the design is also judged with the functionality of the product for the purpose for which it is intended. It is not judged only by its beauty or aesthetic aspects. It is judged by how it improves the function and use of the product. Our products offer persuasive improvements to all the aspects of what is required to be a Functional Work of Art. Our designs are more functional and efficient than the inexpensive, mass produced industrial alternatives. As a functional work of art, an object is considered to be designed and created primarily from the point of view of use and that it has its own aesthetic or artistic aspect. Artistic aesthetics are combined with practical usability. The aim of functional art is to merge art and everyday life; through the link with functionality, the work of art should become functional and fit into usual daily life.
Beaux-Arts Classic Products Functional Works of Art
Our Functional Works of Art replace common industrial white louvered grille elements found in our homes and public spaces. For many the industrial elements are functional and they are satisfied with that. Our functional works of art contribute to creating a unique interior. They have an aesthetic which contributes to establishing a design with classic and timeless details that will compliment most decors. At a minimum, it transforms an element which lacks beauty and harmony into a handsome detail in the space. It adds “personality” to an industrial white louvered vent cover which would otherwise have no contribution to the space it occupies.
In most categories, our decorative grille products are competitive with the industrial white louvered return grilles manufactured by the biggest companies in the HVAC industry. See Performance Testing Chart below. In one catagory called “Noise Criteria” (NC) our grilles excel. Noise Criteria is the Achilles Heel of the White Louvered Grille manufacturers. One manufacturer even incudes a footnote warning that “recommended face velocity is 300 t0 450 fpm, and that higher velocities will possibly be of noise concern”. In short, they mean that the face velocity data of 500 to 700 fpm will result in the high pitched irritating sound produced by too much air rushing through all those thin louvers. Therefore, they do not recommend using their product past the mid point of their performance tests. As a result most HVAC grille manufacturers don’t even provide noise criteria information. Beaux-Arts’ grilles do not make excess noise since they are made of resin, that does not vibrate easily.
Recessed Lighting Products
Functional Works of Art include all the things we may see in our daily life such as lightning. Our decorative options for recessed lights is a “classical Crossover” solution. It combines the latest LED technology with the timeless beauty of classical trims, chandelier crystals, and chains. Our Functional Works of Art have as much to do with usefulness as they do with their beauty and artistry.
Walls Become Functional Works of Art
Decorative walls can be an example of functional art. The primary function of walls is to separate elements or spaces. Walls create the backdrop for the space. They define the volume. Walls also highly express the beauty in interior space. Walls with architectural wall panels are a classic and timeless style. Adding repositionable wallpaper is easy to install and remove.
The Decorative Arts offer many options for Wall Decor. Architectural mouldings combined with classical ornamentation are the epitome of Wall Decor.
The combination of functionality and artistry in interior design is the basis for an environment where harmony and well being exist. When you want to bring some beauty into your everyday life, functional art is a great way to do so.
The movement champions the combination of the arts, the experience of the individual craftsperson and artisan, and the qualities of materials and construction in the work itself.
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