The expression of human creativity and skill is seen in various art forms around us. But what about balloons? Their visual potency has boomed from the humble flotation device on a string to world-recognized installations that have even the most notable artists standing at attention. Balloon art encompasses the simple and the magnificent, from a balloon twisted animal, to cascading garlands down a staircase. For the love of balloons, keep reading for some more information about the history of balloon art, its forms and how you can use it to make your life happier.
What is Balloon Art?
The origins of balloon art are a little gory. The ancient Aztecs, a Native American people who settled in what is now modern-day Mexico City in 1325, made balloon animals out of cat intestines to present to their gods. As far as the modern rubber balloon goes, it was invented in 1824 as part of a science experiment at the Royal Institution in London. Magicians took a cue from the Aztecs and began twisting balloons into animal shapes at conventions in 1930s Pennsylvania – thus the entertainment industry staple was born. Flowing balloon clusters knowns as garlands, and creating arches, and sculptures, has become a huge party decorative item and can work for any type of event. Balloons make everything instantly more cheerful and are extremely versatile.
Who is Jeff Koons?
Jeff Koons is an iconic American artist, who got his start at the Maryland College of Art and the School of Art Institute in Chicago. He has numerous art works displayed at the Whitney Museum of American Art and Museo Jumex, and has made balloon art famous by taking ordinary balloon art sculptures and turning them into stainless steel monuments. His most famous works in this sphere, the Rabbit and Balloon Dog are shown at the Rockefeller Center and the Guggenheim Bilbao. These sculptures are a piece of art history.
How to Make Balloon Art
How to make various pieces of balloon art will depend on your intention for the piece. Here is an example of a balloon animal:
1. Make sure you use a high quality balloon that can withstand the stress of twisting – like Qualatex and Betallatex. Most balloon art is made with size 260 balloons.
2. Inflate the balloon – but not too much as you need to leave some balloon left to twist without too much pressure. Depending on the object you’re trying to create, the balloon should begin in a sausage-like shape.
3. Make a basic twist – you’ll need to hold this one to keep it from untwisting, until you can add more shapes to the balloon.
4. Make lock twists – The lock twist holds the balloon’s segments in place securely and it is the basis for the head, ears, legs, and body of balloon animal sculptures.
For a full tutorial, click here.
Balloon Art Drawing
Drawing on a balloon sculpture can bring life to your object. One might be able to guess that the figure you hold is meant to be a doll, but adding a pair of eyes and smiling lips will add significant character to your artwork. Using a Sharpie fine point permanent marker or a Pilot Wytebord marker works best as it dries quickly, and is water resistant.
1. Use lighter colors first, then darker, and then black.
2. A bottle of deodorant and a tissue is great for when you make a mistake.
3. To draw blush on cheeks, draw a red circle and quickly fade it with your fingers.
4. Edding markers are great for drawing eyes.
5. Don’t be scared of detail.
Balloon Art Sculpture
A balloon art sculpture elevates the average balloon twisted animal to a notable art work and fixture at an event or location. Balloons are being used to create furniture, costumes, flowers, semi-realistic animals, and recreations of paintings. The artists who create these pieces are extremely talented.
Some things to remember:
1. Draw a sketch of what you want to create.
2. Create the skeleton with rods, wire, string, duct tape etc.
3. Cover the frame with netting.
4. Attach your balloons by tying or using clips.
Balloon Art Decor
Balloon art decor is creating arrangements and thematic shapes out of balloons, to cover backgrounds, ceilings, walls, columns, centerpieces and entrances. You’ll usually create this type of arrangement for a child’s birthday.
To make a balloon garland, here are some basic steps:
1. You’ll need high quality balloons, balloon tape and string.
2. Blow them all up two-thirds of the way.
3. Use your balloon garland tape to assemble – cut the tape to the length you want the balloon garland to be and pop the tied ends of the balloons into the holes in the tape.
4. Add greenery if desired.
Balloon Art for Parties
The kind of balloon art you select for your party will depend on the theme, style, and purpose of the party. A corporate event may want elegant columns and centerpieces, while a child’s party would perhaps need a fun garland, coupled with other backdrops and props. The available options for balloon art at parties is endless, beginning with simple balloon animals that guests can take home, and ending with monumental structures that leave your jaw on the floor.
Yombu has amazing Balloon Twisters available for hire in the following Cities, click on any of the links below to hire one now:
Tips & Tricks for Balloon Art
Here are some general tips and tricks to summarize:
1. Know the intended purpose of your balloon art
2. Use high quality balloons and that amazing balloon garland tape
3. Find a trusted local balloon decor supplier who can assist in creating your vision
Balloon Art With Yombu
The durability of balloon art is why many choose them as part of their decorations. The extensive use of balloons to entertain or beautify a space has led to an evolution of the humble latex object to a large scale art form, the likes of which can be displayed in prominent art galleries across the world. If you love the idea of balloon art being incorporated into your special event, do check out Yombu’s balloon decor supplier information under the party guide, or contact them to book an incredible balloon artist who can come to your event and create animals, bouquets, crowns and more, for the children to take home. This can be booked easily online in only a couple of minutes with your Yombu account. Chat live to your entertainer and get advice on how to have the best event possible.
FAQ’s:
What is the most popular balloon art?
The dog. Aspiring balloon artists usually learn this one first, as it is the easiest to make and can be easily adapted to make other animals like giraffes.
What Did you Think?
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My only exposure to balloon art has been the balloon animals you can get at school rallies or small fairs. I had no idea how intricate they can be. The Princess Jasmine and balloon art sculpture are incredible, it truly is an art form.
Thank you Shanice 🙂