This ArtHearty article introduces the term ‘medium’ with reference to art and its forms. It is a short listing of the different types of mediums used to create a piece of art in conjunction with the art forms they belong to.
Art with Fragrance
Perfume making is also considered as an art, and it is termed ‘perfumery’.
The art of perfumery actually originated in ancient Egypt, and then spread to other parts of the world.
The mediums that are used in this art are the natural oils and essences (aromatic compounds) combined with alcohol (solvent).
Man is the medium, and God is the artist. It is through his favorite and most versatile medium that the world is now a stage of exhibition for some of the most wonderful pieces of art.
Medium, in general, is anything that acts as the intermediate path between the source and final outcome. When this term is used in context to the field of art, then a medium can be anything that is used by an artist to put his ideas and emotions into expression. This form of expression may be available to any or all the five senses, i.e., audio, visual, or felt.
Architectural/Design
The creation of physical elements that are put together to erect another physical structure is a scientific art that can be seen and appreciated. The usage of materials in this field is greatly influenced by the topography, climate ,and culture of the place where it is meant to be installed. Right from the exterior of a construction to the intricacies of the interiors to enhance the construction with strength and efficiency, everything is taken care of.
- Concrete and mortar
- Mud
- Glass panes
- Metal bars
- Stones
- Bricks
- Timber
Cinematography/Photography
Capturing moments in the right manner to make them appear even beautiful and sustain that memory is the art that has seen great commercialization over the tides of times. The artists have to identify the effect of light and colors, and study the right perspective in the nick of time before the moment is lost. Moments may come naturally or can be created by mediums of the art.
- Camera
- Reel tape
- Photoshop
- Graphics design
- Graphic Animation
- Clay animation
- Stop motion photography
Culinary
We all may cook, but doing it the right way is definitely an art. Working with the right combination of flavors is a success when one uses the most suitable medium for it. Different flavors of the same ingredients can be highlighted with different heating techniques, duration of cooking, and even the type of vessel being used defines the texture of a recipe.
- Microwave
- Gas stoves
- Barbecue grills
- Fruits
- Wok
- Induction stoves
- Prepared dishes
Digital
Digital media has taken over the world and almost all its functions. The main motive is to enhance the quality of presentation of any art form in a higher resolution and accuracy. A digital artist works with computer programmed software and electronic sensors to reduce errors and glitches in the final presentation of an idea to its audience.
- Advanced pressure-sensing touchscreen
- Automated or computer simulation functions
- Desktop publishing software
- Digital photography/cinematography
- Digital printing
- Digital programming
- Graphic design software
- Word processing software
Drawing/Sketching
The use of definitive strokes and curves to create an illusion of a thing or an object, or imitation of a 3-dimensional figure using two dimensions on a surface is called drawing or sketching.
- Chalk
- Chalk pastels
- Charcoal pencil
- Graphite
- Pencil
- Pencil colors
- Pen
- Oil pastels
- Markers
Environmental/Installation
The creation of an environment suitable enough for commercial and domestic usage is a commercial art that is appeasing to the eye and comfortable for the body. The space available and the function of that space is carefully analyzed by the designer. The natural atmosphere is the canvas and the supporting tools are used to create definition
- Pebbles
- Stones
- Sand
- Vegetation
- Water
Literary
Words are a man’s best companion for expressal. One can be definitive or decorative as per their style. The oratory and writing skills are sometimes accompanied by calligraphic decoration and technical aids like word processors. These aids help people communicate and voice their opinions.
- Internet access
- Marker
- Printer
- Pen and ink
- Pencil
- Paper
- Word processor
Painting
The use of a color palette to generate an image, specific or abstract, inspired by the artist’s environment or thoughts is the art of painting. The paintings themselves have been a medium to felicitate ideas into minds.
- Acrylic colors
- Paint brush
- Egg Tempera
- Oil paints
- Opaque colors
- Water colors
Performance
Performing arts can be felt, heard, and seen. It has a vast scope for including almost any kind of talent. The showcasing of a special set of skills on a stage in front of a live audience is considered as performance art. Music and dance are the two most common forms. The medium in such a case may be the performer himself, using his body to convey his creativity in thoughts.
- Body movements
- Facial expressions
- Personal skill
- Props
Sculpture
The art of engraving a figure out of a solid block of material or molding of mediums to represent a certain form of imagination is called sculpting.
- Ceramics
- Installation art
- Plaster of Paris
- Polymer clay
- Pottery
- Terracotta
- Wood
- Mosaics
- Paper
- Glass
- Metals
- Wires
- Aluminum foil
- Wax
- Stone
- Soap
- Marble
- Concrete
- Gelatine
- Styrofoam
Textile
Selecting and combining fabrics to produce the best mix for a cloth is an art in itself. Trained professionals work with tender threads to create wonderful pieces of art that are used for decoration and fashionable purposes.
- Cotton
- Flax
- Nylon
- Silk
- Wool
All the mediums listed in this article are just exemplary. An artist is nothing but the creator himself. He can use almost everything available on the face of this planet and beyond to string his thoughts and produce a full-fledged representation of his imagination.