Concrete craftmanship
Dane Broe loves the challenge of finding the right formulas for his concrete
THE STORY
First it was furniture, now it’s concrete. Dane Broe studied furniture, craft and design at Sheridan College and industrial woodworking at Conestoga College. He loved working with wood until he mixed his first batch of concrete. Art met science.
“I come up with formulas based on other people’s recipes.”
THE STUDIO
After working in the garage of his parents’ Hamilton home, Broe picked up his tools and tubs and moved to his own studio at the Cotton Factory, 270 Sherman Ave. N. The space, with its brick walls, wood ceilings and abundant light, is conducive to mixing his potions. Big work tables, power tools, a sink, storage for wood, his bicycle and room for his puppy Angus make it as perfect as it can be for the 28-year-old perfectionist. The camaraderie of other artists, designers and makers of things working at The Cotton Factory also inspires Broe.
WHAT HE DOES
Have you been to the Burnt Tongue on Cannon Street? If so, you’ve likely seen Broe’s joyous orange concrete sinks. He makes countertops, sinks and furniture with his variable formula of water, sand, cement, fibreglass, and an acrylic additive. The goal is strength and lightness. His mixture also cures faster.
“In 16 hours I can take it out of the mould; with a regular approach it could take three days.”
His experience as a woodworker is invaluable in making the intricate moulds for furniture including cylindrical and cone shapes.
“If you put the time into making a good mould, then everything comes out cleanly, and it doesn’t need polishing.”
On top of his work table, a pair of concrete end tables awaits delivery to a customer in Oakville, a commission he got through his work with Hamilton designer Brooke Butler.
He’s also finished a custom commission of a cone-shaped table, and is experimenting with a hanging light fixture.
“It’s really interesting to apply all these techniques and constantly learn new things.”
Broe loves the challenge of finding the right formulas for his concrete, by mixing paint pigments for the finished colour, and pulling pieces out of the mould that don’t show seams or pick up imperfections.
In the future he’d like to make a really thin table or chair using epoxy resin with concrete.
“It would have the character and texture of concrete with the strength of fibreglass. I want to showcase the beauty of concrete made locally.”