Some artists use paint brushes; others use magnets. Magnets? Yep. Magnets can create abstract, other-worldly scenes, which I call Magnetic Worlds – Ferrofluid Abstract Photographs.
Ferrofluid abstract photographs
Here is a gallery of photographs showing the results of my experiments:
What is ferrofluid?
In short, ferrofluid, sometimes called ferro-magnetic fluid, is a liquid that responds to magnets and magnetic fields. It is made up of extremely fine ferro-magnetic particles (like nano-sized iron filings), coated with a soap-like material called a surfactant, and suspended in a mineral oil liquid base.
How are these abstracts made?
I start by pouring a healthy blob of ferrofluid into a petri dish. I then shove a neodymium magnet below the dish to produce a shape like a shiny turtle with a spiky shell. Interesting in a high school science class, but not art. So, in go other liquids, such as milk, food coloring, acrylic paints, glycerine, and fluorescein dye. I then move the magnet around the bottom of the dish to draw out patterns in the ferrofluid. With a DSLR, I shoot downward to record these impossible-to-recreate scenes.
Purchasing our photographs
You may license any of our photograph or purchase prints. Just contact us using the form to the right and we will do our best to meet your needs. Here is more information about our fine art photographs.
