Flight Preparation: Relief & Patina

A freehand engraved steel bas-relief of a swallow, textured through acid-induced patina.

Specifications
Medium: Steel bas-relief by Alexander Maß
Year of Production: 2024
Dimensions: 48,3 × 30 cm (19.0 × 11.8 inches)
Weight: 6 kg
Material: Raw black steel
Technique: Freehand engraving with a diamond grinding disc (Flex)
Surface Treatment: Acid-induced rust patina (hydrochloric acid, acetic acid, gypsum)
Finish: Sealed with Zapon lacquer
Mounting: Simple screw hanging with 2 cm spacers for wall distance

Flight Preparation: Relief & Patina emerged from an intuitive moment. I just started by carving two random lines into the steel, and suddenly, a bird appeared. The wings, branches, and nest followed. I remember seeing a swallow spreading its wings before taking off, perhaps for balance, or in preparation for its journey south, as the leaves turned to autumn. The entire engraving process took just twenty minutes. Later, I created the textured patina through controlled oxidation. The resulting rust adds depth and an autumn-like variation to the surface. This relief reflects the contrast between the solid, industrial nature of steel and the spontaneous act of creating an image. For me, this image captures an atmosphere of departure. The piece was first exhibited at the 48 Stunden Neukölln Kunstfestival in 2024.

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