Enhance your compound with sculptures
Gloria Mwogezi, a resident of Kira spends much of her time seated in her compound yard enjoying its beautiful sculptures.
“At times I get home tired and stressed but rather than lock myself up in the bed-room, I sit out and watch water flow in and out of the bird sculpture blending in with the surrounding flowers in my compund,” she says.
Joseph Kyasa, an artist dealing in clay sculptures along the Nateete-Masaka High way says the prospect of adding some kind of art to the landscape might be intimidating to some homeowners but it gives a great deal of visual pleasure.
Adding a piece of art to one’s compound can as well give a distinctive focal point creating a beautiful snare depending on the type of sculpture one desires to use in accordance to their landscape.
However, having an idea of what one wants is important as there are number of factors to put into consideration.
Your house’s interior will determine the outlook of your compound.
Kyasa says one should think of their compound as an extension from the interior looking at the type of furniture, art work and the color schemes. This will help one to choose a sculpture that will be a pleasant to the overall house bringing the inside outside theme.
Daniel Yiga landscaper designer advices on what can help one choose a perfect art piece and factors to keep into consideration before putting up compound sculptures.
Location
The size of one’s compound will determine on where to place the sculptures depending on how many one needs. For example, in a long, narrow compound, placing a sculpture at the far end makes it a beautiful focal point. However in small spaces, the sculpture gives a strong visual attraction.
Type of sculptures
While there is a wide array of outdoor art, getting to know the kind of art piece one needs is as important as selecting the right location. This can be clay , wood or steel sculptures which are normally used by house owners.
“The most popular sculptures are those made from concrete as they stand a test of time and can well in all weather conditions,’’ says Yiga.
Art made out of wood provides an appealing visual but these are usually considered secondary sculpture which is less commanding and wears out fast. In spite of the type of sculpture one ends up acquiring, it should be a piece of art they truly love and want to enjoy in an outdoor setting.
Installation
If not well installed, sculptures can be a danger to the people around the house most especially children. Ensuring its safety must be put in to consideration. “If you have children who might be playing around the sculpture, ensure that the sculpture is placed firmly in a safe corner.
These can as well be situated on ground levels or better still create a solid level foundation of concrete on which it can sit. You may even need to pour a concrete base for support.
The main aim is to make sure the sculpture is secure and in safe.
Cost
Determining the cost at which at these sculptures are sold is hard as most of are affected by the size, style and the material used. Yiga says if one is to consider the smallest size of clay sculptures range between shs200, 000 to Shs300,000 and Shs80, 000 for flower pot sculptures.
If one has a tight budget, a few properly displayed sculptures will yield effective results. Distracting the eye with too many focal points one on can have sculptures of flower plots placed at different angle of the compound.
Caution
“Avoid using quacks. Not every sculpture should be used. A professionally done art work might be costly but at the end of it all, it is worth it,’’ he advices.
With sculpture, the possibilities are endless in terms of size, style, cost and material with choices in concrete, wood, stone and other forms as one may wish.
