In its fourth year, the Artistry in Decorative Concrete Demos continued to profile the work of contractors who do exceptionally creative work. All presenters showcased the type of decorative work they install in their local areas. The Artistry Demo also gave them an opportunity to develop ideas that appeal to a specialized clientele with unique tastes and budget, and it allowed the artists to push their own limits. Almost everyone involved in the Artistry Demo comes from other industries or uses ideas established in other areas to change how we look at concrete. The combination of installing work correctly, understanding the intricacy of decorative materials, and inspiration from outside sources is part of the reason that the decorative concrete industry is growing so fast. Here's what show attendees saw this year.

Artistry at the World of Concrete 2006

Concrete as a creative medium helps the industry grow

page 5 of 14

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Rick Fischer

Many decorative concrete contractors come from other walks of life. Rick Fischer began his career in automotive restoration and custom painting. He thought that some of the techniques he had learned could be applied to decorative concrete, and in 1993 he started his own company. Currently he also teaches workshops and helps manufacturers with training needs. At the Artistry Demo, Fischer, inspired by a Navajo rug, constructed an intricately layered pattern using stencils, thin trowel-down colored overlays, and water-based stains. To complete his work and to bring the colors together, he applied a patina with dyes in an acrylic sealer.

Rick Fischer constructed an intricate tapestry pattern with stencils and applied thin, trowel-down colored overlay cements and water-based stains.