One of the most enduring forms of art is sculpture. From ancient wooden totems to the glory of Michelangelo’s David, artists through the ages have worked in wood, stone, bronze, clay and glass. However, an exciting development just sixty years ago changed all that. Neil Tillatson, an American chemical engineer, invented the latex balloon. He made about 2,000 and sold them during Boston’s annual Patriot Day parade. Born in the USA, balloon sculpture has now been elevated to an art-form in Queensland. Brisbane balloon genius Gunter Blum explained some of the finer points to Jim Pike.
The sculptures
Gunter plans the sculptures, and then builds a framework. The next step is to inflate the balloons and attach them to the frames. Often the framework has to be moved on site before the balloons are attached. The balloons are specially made commercial types, and come in different sizes and colours. According to Gunter, the types of sculpture you can make are limited only by your imagination. His creations include a 23 metre (75′) long replica of the Brisbane Story Bridge, and a 9 metre (30′) Ferris wheel made up of 2,500 balloons.
Balloon convention
Gunter recently organised Queensland’s first convention for balloon artists. The week long balloon-fest opened with a spectacular Tutankhamen theme. Conference delegates then attended talks and classes, as well as using around a quarter of a million balloons to create special effects and artwork. Several years ago Gunter attended the world’s biggest balloon convention in Chicago, and shared the title of International Balloon Designer of the Year with Marloes Bakker-Marsden.
Costs
Prices for a sculpture range from $150 to $2000, depending on the complexity of the design.
Contact information
Gunter Blum
Balloons Galore
49 Gregory Terrace
Spring Hill, QLD, 4000
Phone: (07) 3839 5168
Christine Georgiou
Classic Balloons
273 Victoria Road
Gladesville, NSW, 2111
Phone: (02) 9879 7010
Rebecca Foley C.B.A.
Balloon FX
44 Raymond Street
Shorncliffe, QLD, 4017
Phone/fax: (07) 3269 5838
Balloon artists and suppliers can also be found in your local Yellow Pages under Balloons.