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| Kayu's Art House |
| This artist uses a lightweight polymer to make what appear to be ancient artifacts, at an affordable price. |
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Decorative artworks can be expensive, especially if you want sandstone or bronze. With the introduction of polyceramics, it's possible to have large decorative items made to look like the real thing. Best of all, they are much lighter and they're cheaper to buy. Kayu Fasiecki shows us how.
Kayu's Art House was established in 1996 to manufacture interior and exterior decorating items and art works. Originally from Poland, Kayu worked as a props maker in his home country. When he moved to Australia, he started working as a scenic artist and props maker for the Australian Opera. His colleagues at the opera described him as an "engineer artist" because he designed different techniques for finishing his props, using them to create special effects on stage.
During his career as a scenic artist and props designer, Kayu worked on Madam Butterfly and Aida. He designed and made props for three different productions of Aida, and the Egyptian theme continues to influence his work. He has twice been commissioned to make decorative items for people living in Egypt.
Another of Kayu's projects was the conservation of the QVB. He created "unofficial stone" by mixing resin with sand and granite to give a faux stone look. It was very important to match the colour exactly, to authenticate the restoration. However, when it rains, the natural stone absorbs water and darkens, and the "unofficial stone" does not, making the restoration visible.
Kayu also works as an interior designer and is available for consultation in people's homes. He can then make pieces that will suit their living environment.
Traditionally, Kayu worked with plaster, however in the past year he has become involved in polyceramic. This is the latest material for making large decorative items such as the pillars, plinths, torches, pictures, busts and masks Kayu specialises in. Polyceramic is much stronger and lighter than conventional materials traditionally used for similar products.
Polyceramic is a combination of resins and fillers that can be poured into moulds. You then wait for the mixture to set, remove it from the mould and apply a finish. Unlike clay, polyceramic items do not need to be fired. Also, the product is much lighter, although it is possible to weight the product to make it feel more authentic.
Prices vary from $50 up to thousands, depending on the size and complexity of the item, as well as the chosen finish. A torch like the one we saw made on the day would cost a maximum of $150. While a large Mediterranean dividing wall for a patio or living room would cost $1500.
There are many different finishes available. Polyceramic items can be left white or finished to look like another material. Because the finish is simply a coating, it is cheaper than the genuine article. Finishes available include limestone, bronze effect, unofficial sandstone and aged steel.
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More Info
For more information contact Kayu Fasiecki.
Kayu's Art House
5/42 York Street
Ingleburn 2565
Ph/fax: 02 9829 6705
www.kayuart.com.au
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