April Book-of-the-Month: Using Natural Finishes by Adam Weismann & Katy Bryce
While perusing Art Fusion a few months ago, fellow artisan Erica Somers of Luxe Crete posted information about her latest book find at Barnes & Noble. The cover looked gorgeous and I’ve been looking into greener plaster alternatives, so I bought it on her recommendation. It’s been a true find and so I, in turn, have chosen it as our April Book-of-the-Month. Ladies and Gentlemen, I introduce Using Natural Finishes by Adam Weismann and Katy Bryce.
The book focuses on using natural finishes based on lime and earth. They break down the chapters into finishes that use plasters (applied internally), renders (applied externally), paints and washes. They also go into the prepwork detail and help introduce us to beautiful natural finishes from around the world, including South Africa and Japan. The book has so much information that at first, I felt overwhelmed and just looked at the pictures. Gradually, I started reading about the temperaments of each material, their ingredients, uses and attributes and finally, understanding the history of these finishes.
I thought the following history was fascinating: “The oldest known examples of lime being used in a wall plaster have been found in Jericho…dating from around 7000 BC. The Greeks and Romans, at the beginning of the first century AD, used lime as their main building binder to construct their vast empires…During the medieval period in England, after a fire destroyed London Bridge in 1212, King John passed a law that all shops along the River Thames were to be plastered and whitewashed with lime both inside and out. The lime finish was used because of its fire-resistant properties”. I knew that the Italians used natural plasters to create their famous frescoes, but the information above is key (at least for me) to understand and respect these materials more, that their history goes beyond my using it for an eco-conscious client. Here are some pics:
BELOW: At first glance, I thought this was a grievous use of coffee but then noted it was linseed oil. (phew) On the right pic, more of the ingredients and tools used for the natural finishes.
Should you decide to fully immerse yourself in this creative field, the authors seek to fully prepare you. In fact, the President of the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA), states: “This highly informative and sumptuous book shows how the threat of climate change is also an opportunity to make buildings more beautiful”. The authors also have created the Natural Building Resources website to help others find even more green sources. I hope you get a chance to check it out!
Suzanne
1040 days ago
OOOOO…. I love the last pic and the yummy red scrolly staircase wall.. D-Lish!
Regina Garay
1040 days ago
That red crackle one is my fave, too…
Monica Zeuli
1038 days ago
OMG, being a muralist, my dream is to do a 3-dimensional mural. I love this book, have to have it! Thank you for sharing Regina.
Val Day
270 days ago
Absolutely fascinating. It can open up a whole new world of art.
PJ Hoover
270 days ago
regina, This is another great share, Thank you, I think I must have this, I feel a trip to Banes n’ Nobel’s coming up. A very good read with tons of inspiration to get one’s juices flowing!