Materials

Unless otherwise stated, most sculptures for sale on my website can be created in the following materials.

Bronze

Bronze is one of the most popular materials used for sculpture as it is strong and resistant to corrosion so a particularly good choice if you are intending to place your sculpture outside. With proper care, bronze sculptures can endure for centuries. However, casting in bronze is also the most expensive option. The lost wax method used for bronze casting is a complex and labour intensive process that requires the services of a foundry. In addition to creating the initial rubber mould of the clay sculpture, a wax model also has to be created and checked by the artist.

A second ceramic shell mould is then made on top of the wax model into which the molten metal is poured after the wax has been melted out. Larger sculptures need to be created in several pieces which are welded together. The cast bronze sculpture then needs to be patinated to achieve the desired colour, this can vary from reddish brown colours to bluey green patinas, so each piece will be slightly different. Although those working in the foundry are highly skilled with years of experience, the artist still needs to oversee the entire process making several visits to the foundry to deliver the rubber mould, check the wax model and patination. This, along with the cost of the raw material, is why the price for a piece of bronze sculpture is higher than if it were made using other materials.

 

You can watch a video from the V&A Museum that shows the lost wax bronze casting process here:- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CRfymA6HN5Y

 

Resin bronze

Resin bronze sculpture, also known as “cold cast bronze” or bonded bronze, is actually made of polyester, epoxy or another resin mixed with bronze powder and painted onto the surface of the rubber mould to achieve the appearance of bronze.  This would be done by a casting company rather than a foundry as there is no need to create a wax model and a second ceramic shell mould, or pour molten metal. Fewer steps mean I don’t need to check the sculpture at each stage so less time and investment is required for the entire process. This makes resin bronze sculptures a more affordable option. Resin bronze sculptures can be patinated to achieve a range of different colours and are lighter than traditional bronze so easier to handle and transport but should still be durable enough if you want to place the sculpture outside.

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Ceramic

Ceramic sculpture is generally less durable than bronze or resin bronze so will break more easily but can still last for hundreds of years if properly cared for. It is also the least expensive option as I can fire and glaze the piece in my own workshop and do not require the services of a foundry or casting company. Ceramic versions of the sculptures on my website will be smaller than those cast in bronze or resin bronze due to the shrinkage that takes places during the firing process. The ceramic sculpture can be painted, which retains the surface textures of the original piece, or glazed, which means that some of the finer details may be lost. It is not recommended for ceramic sculpture to be placed outside as they are more easily damaged.

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