I have always been concerned with surface, the way light reveals textures and colors as it is viewed from various angles. Matte verses glossy, smooth verses rough. One of the major reasons cement appeals to me is the fact that it's surface can be polished. I have experimented with many different methods, dry and wet. I don't want to end up with an overall mirror like surface, I would rather create subtle variances that create interest and character. I discovered that if I let the surface cure for a few days, it becomes hard enough to hand polish. I get great satisfaction rubbing the surface with steel wool and watching as details are brought to life before my eyes. When I use mechanical polishers I loose most of the control of what is emphasized and what is not. I prefer elbow grease and hand pressure, it lets me get more personal and intimate with the work. Steel wool is followed up with beeswax, to bring out the colors, and a final buffing with paper towels. It is slow hard work and is usually only visible when viewing the original.
Below are some detail shots using reflected light, in an attempt to show what I am talking about.
I really like the direction of your latest work. Cudos (whatever those are),
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