In the world of creativity and design, artistic journeys are as diverse as the palettes they wield. From engineering to academia, one artist’s voyage stands out for its resurgence from a scientific path back to the realm of artistic expression. This journey of rekindling the passion for art is an intriguing tale that resonates with anyone who has a knack towards creativity.
Dr. Lavanya Dhanagopal, with Ph.D. in Ceramics Technology and 15 years of work experience in Ceramic Research, made an interesting choice of using ACPs as the canvas for painting. In an exclusive interview with Aludecor, she shared what made her choose such a maverick art medium.
A Maverick Choice: Art on ACP
Delving into Lavanya’s motivations unveils a narrative that seeks to transcend the fleeting nature of artistic creations. Reflecting on a significant setback – the loss of numerous artworks due to moisture – then she embarked on a quest for a medium that could endure the test of time and environmental hazards. This quest led her to look for canvas painting on ACP board, and particularly Aludecor’s Aluminum Composite Panels (ACPs).
As she delved deeper into the world of composite panels, a myriad of options emerged. From plain composite panels to surface-treated variants designed for enhanced paint adherence, the choices were abundant.
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Despite overseas obstacles in sourcing and shipping the panels for drawing on ACP board, the artist’s determination remained unwavering. She chose to locally procure panels and uncover the secrets of canvas painting on ACP board. After reaching out to various composite panel manufacturers for samples, Aludecor responded, setting in motion a journey of experimentation and discovery.
Reimagining the Canvas: A Paradigm Shift in Approach
Shifting gears to the heart of the artistic process, Lavanya’s foray into non-traditional mediums reshaped her creative approach. An inherent challenge lay in ensuring that the chosen composite panels are seamlessly integrated with the familiar trio of essentials – a surface to paint, brushes or tools, and the paint itself. This integration was vital to ensure the fact that any artist who would be drawing on ACP board could effortlessly transition to this innovative medium without overburdening their artistic process.
Traditionally, artists are accustomed to preparing canvases with meticulous layers of gesso, a labor-intensive endeavor. However, the composite panels required a fraction of this preparation, liberating artists from time-consuming priming rituals. This newfound ease of preparation transformed the artistic landscape, allowing creators to channel their energies directly into their creative visions.
The Palette of Possibilities: Paints and Experiences
Describing the experience of painting on these panels proves challenging, akin to encapsulating emotions as profound as motherhood or love. The artist’s words fall short in capturing the sensation of buttery paint gliding across the smooth composite surface.
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Explaining her experience of creating art on this medium, her immediate response was ‘you will “have to paint” to understand the experience’. Just as there are no words to adequately convey the essence of motherhood, the depth of love, or the euphoria of achieving something monumental, painting is an indescribable journey. In fact, she believes that for countless artists, composite panels are nothing short of a dream come true.
Imagine a canvas with a soft, pristine surface, where your paint glides like poetry, forming intricate shapes and vivid colors. Technically, for any traditional cotton canvas, the preparation takes some investment in itself. Depending on your subject, you may find yourself applying 5 to 9 layers of gesso and meticulously sanding between each coat. It’s a labor-intensive process. But when it comes to composite panels, simplicity reigns supreme. Just 2-3 layers of gesso, and you’re ready to unleash your creativity through easy canvas painting.
What’s more? Paintings on composite panels are resilient. They are resistant to moisture, stand tall against degradation, and exude an undeniable sturdiness. In the controlled environment of interiors, these paintings are practically immortal. What more could an artist ask for?
The Final Stroke: A Testament to Innovation
In the world of interior design and architecture, where innovation reigns supreme, Aludecor’s ACP offers a revolutionary canvas for artistic expression. For interior designers and architects seeking to infuse spaces with timeless artistry, Lavanya’s maverick art form might serve as a testament to the transformative potential of non-traditional mediums.
