Information
Roland Menten, 1955
Autodidactic artist
Expositions since 1990 in the Benelux
The artist
Born in 1955, at Sint-Truiden, Roland Menten has inherited the "artistic" touch from its father.
Since his youth he has been fascinated by nature and fairies. These two topics can clearly be found in his creations, which are also provided with a humoristic touch. This way, a contradiction arises with the frequently stressed and perfected society.
The work
Moulding and forming with composite is a slowly progressing and solitary occupation but it gives an enormous feeling of freedom because the possibilities of this material are inexhaustible.
As a small boy, Roland liked to built sand sculptures. This basic knowledge has proven its use since his artistic existence, because some sculptures get their form from sand (see: positive lost mal technique). Others get their form from polyurethaanfoam (foam, saw, cut, scour) and afterwards the fine details are moulded with polyester paste.
The sculptures are built from several layers glass-mat, saturated with polyester resin. The finishing layer has been mixed from compound naturegranulate with polyestercoating. This gives the sculptures a long-term firmness and after the course of time, a natural patina.
Numerous designs can be provided with a built-in ambiance light.
Exhibitions
Since 1998, numerous exhibitions have taken place inland and abroad.
Teacher
Because of the many possibilities of polyester: garden decoration, in-house decoration, car components, water sports ... the course "Work with polyester" in Syntra Tongeren has a rising success.
The participants enjoy their freedom to develop personal ideas.