How do artists use cast iron’s rough texture to symbolize geological time scales?

Artists often harness the raw, rugged texture of cast iron to evoke the immense spans of geological time. The material’s natural imperfections—pits, cracks, and uneven surfaces—mirror the erosive forces that shape landscapes over millennia. By intentionally leaving cast iron unpolished, creators draw parallels between industrial processes and Earth’s slow transformations. Some sculptors layer molten metal to mimic sedimentary rock formations, while others oxidize surfaces to echo ancient patinas. This deliberate roughness becomes a visual metaphor for deep time, collapsing billions of years into tangible form. Contemporary installations frequently juxtapose cast iron’s heaviness with delicate organic motifs, underscoring humanity’s fleeting presence against planetary timescales. The medium’s durability further reinforces themes of permanence, inviting viewers to contemplate time’s relentless march through tactile, weathered surfaces.