I was wondering if I could get some input on techniques and places I could
get info on casting concrete fountains. I am referring to outdoor ( normal
size) multi-tiered fountains. I have been to those pottery stores and found
them so expensive and have always been a do-it your self person. I would
always rather learn how to make something and do it myself then have to buy
it. Anyhow, back to the subject at hand. First, the original. What is the
original made of when casting fountains or is there a way to be able to have
the first original be the fountain? I have quite a bit of concrete work but
not artistic. I guess im trying to say I would not be making these to be
cast repeatedly. Just once. What would be the best material and formulas
to make these concrete fountains in. I will obviously be asking more
questions as this thread grows but thanks so far.

Check out this website in Mexico. http://www.geocities.com/flyingconcrete/

Sprayed concrete (a little hand held 'tirolessa' sprayer from Mexico) over
1/4' galvanized mesh on a bent and MIG tacked 3/8" pencil steel armature.
I'm real impressed with the technique, but haven't had the opportunity to
use it yet. I'm thinking maybe some kiddies playgrounds or something? The
neat thing is the wilder the design, the stronger it gets. This is also how
Watts Towers in LA was constructed by a self taught artist.
Gary

As far as possibilities, how about a real cool doghouse/doggie playground
for your place? How about a ferrocement submarine - wait - thats already
been done!


The spray makes it easy to make 'sgraffito' cement - different color layers
are sprayed up and troweled, and then a graphic design is 'scratched' out of
the curing cement. In Vallarta, I think the office of architect Cacho Perez
is done this way - but I haven't had a real close look - sometimes they
scratch and then fill in the voids with paint.