What Wire Would Be Ideal For Wire Sculpture?

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So, 20 gauge galvanized wire is puny shit. xD

For an art project, we're making wire sculptures. I've never made one before and have little experience with hardware/tools, so I have no idea what wire is a good wire for this. I want wire thick enough that while wound it doesn't lose it's shape easily but mailable enough where my weak ass can work with it. (I'm a bit too nervous to look for this anymore online! But, if I find the right wire, my sculpture with be awesome. xD)

So, all you artists, from personal experience, what wire do you feel would work the best?
18 gauge sounds good. I've heard that other people in my class have 16 gauge, so 16-18 the best range? But what's the difference between stainless steel and "galvanized?" (I don't want a small detail like that to be the thing that messes me up.)
 
The most common wires are stainless, brass, and copper. Ordinary steel is avoided because it rusts and or is zinc plated and zinc is a bit of a health hazard on food and in the mouth.
Stainless is the stiffest - 16 gauge SS is hard to work with the hands, 18 gauge is easy to work with pliers and okay to work with hands.
 
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