Stainless steel metal sculptor Mike Helbing – like many artists before him – turned to a company that specializes in the bending of pipes to curve 1 1/2″, 2″ and 3″ schedule 40 stainless steel pipe to create a beautiful wave. This is a dry sculpture for now, but it will eventually become a flowing fountain. The wave sculpture can be seen at Lincoln Park in Chicago.
Many ponds are equipped with aerators to condition the water. These are often simple fountains that spray water up in the air. Helbing has substituted works of art to fulfill the same function while adding a pleasing aesthetic element.
A small but often highly visible market served by companies that specialize in curving steel is comprised of artists. They often arrive at the doorstep of a bending and rolling company with a maquette, a sculptor’s small preliminary model or sketch. The bending company then scales the model and creates the full-sized version.
