Study of Decorative Elements Inspired by Frost Formations

Abstract

Study of Decorative Elements Inspired by Frost Formations focuses on making frost-like decorations using metalsmithing techniques.

Frost is a natural weather phenomenon that occurs during cold and humid conditions. The appearances of frost on plants and other surfaces were an inspiration for this collection of work. To make frost-like decorative elements, it was imperative to study about frost formations. This thesis will include what frost is, the different types of frost and how it forms. The decorative elements are made with metalsmithing techniques and use of one of the natural characteristics of metal, which is the melting point.

Frost is formed when the temperature of the surface is colder than the surrounding humid air. This phenomenon inspired the creation of frost decorative elements, which are formed by melting metal and thus reversing the frost process. Different metalsmithing techniques are used in various ways to achieve the appearance of frost. These metalsmithing techniques include

balling up wires, using textured hammers, using the TIG welder, and making granules. With these techniques, different types of frost are represented, such as hoar frost, rime frost, advection frost and window frost. These four types of frost are selected on the basis of the characteristics of their appearances and formation. The last section of this thesis will introduce work with frost decorative elements applied. This section will start with sample works that leads to the final work. The works consist of trays, plates, bowls, vases, and some jewelry. To concentrate on the decorative elements, the forms will be kept as simple as possible, limiting each work to one or two decorative elements. The intention of this thesis is to create decorative elements inspired by nature and incorporating it into metalsmithing techniques. There are a lot of ideas and a great deal of inspiration that can come from this subject, and hopefully this research can demonstrate, and lead to, many possibilities in making frost-inspired elements.