Hello, I have been capturing the spirit of horses for 13 years now. I started in resin and moved to bronze casting. This process is amazing to me because it can be traced earlier then the Greeks. With such a time-lapse you might think it has changed immensely when in reality the same method is still in use today.
Bronze casting (lost wax) is a complex method consisting of six category processes.
Category 1. Sculpting: within this process we first have the wire frame, then the clay, then the detail. This is the longest out of the six processes.
Category 2. The Molds: over the finished clay we lay rubber to capture the detail. This is done in many layers. After the rubber is complete and dry a plaster mold is formed around it. This gives the rubber support when the wax is poured in. After the plaster is complete, it is carefully removed and seams are cut in the rubber in order to remove the clay structure.
Category 3. After the molds are cleaned and reassembled, the warm wax is poured in. This is done in multiple pouring sessions. After the wax is cooled, it is removed from the molds and the imperfections are re-sculpted. After the wax is properly assembled, pouring holes are attached. The pouring holes will allow possible trapped air to escape when pouring the bronze.
Category 4. The ceramic mold, this is formed by dipping the wax multiple times in ceramic
and sand until the desired thickness is achieved. After the ceramic dries, it is fired and the wax is melted out. Directly after removing the ceramic from the oven, the bronze is poured in.
Category 5. After the mold cools, the ceramic is broken away from the bronze. The pouring holes are then cut off and any imperfections on the bronze are ground away or welded back into the sculpture.
Category 6. The bronze sculpture is now ready for the application of patina. This process may be applied to a hot or cold bronze surface. Depending on the method of application and coloring of the patina different affects will be achieved. After the patina is complete and dry it is buffed. Buffing creates highlights. The highlights are where the bronze shows through. Then the sculpture is waxed. This is to seal and protect the patina. Now the sculpture may be mounted on a wood or marble base.
For every piece of bronze art work, the process of lost wax is performed.
Looking at a bronze sculpture is like looking at a piece of history. It is created from copper and tin which are collected from the earth. We do not know how many centuries it may have seen but, what we do know is that through this amazing and historical bronze process it is created into something precious to us.
My Process of Sculpting: Every sculpture comes with an inspiration. Usually that inspiration is derived from equine expressions, horse and rider relationship, or my own experiences with horses. Deciding what to sculpt is a delicate and long thought-out process. Before beginning, I like to study my particular subject whether it be a particular horse, expression or discipline. I often photograph my subject until I get the composition that I am looking for. I then sketch the individual horse as to capture the uniqueness of that particular animal. By this point, I know what I am going to sculpt as well as how and in what position. The actual process of sculpting in clay is a simple concept, though a complex one to put into practice. It requires observation, patience and above all true self criticism.
For more information about my art, please feel free to visit my web site.
