casting
molding and pouring
Combining two methods, that of pliable modeling with melting and pouring into a mold, allows an artist expressive possibilities. Casting benefits from the fluid marks made into the surface of a wax model. This surface character is transferred to the mold which is then filled with molten metal or other materials. It would be difficult to achieve this level of sensitivity through carving or modeling alone. Depending on the technique used, a mold might also be partially reusable for future castings.
Casting
To achieve a sense of fluidity in a metal sculpture, an artist begins by creating a model in solid wax.
The model is then surrounded in clay and heated to melt away the wax and to harden the clay.
The clay mold is turned upside down and molten metal poured into it.
After the metal has cooled, the sculptor breaks the clay mold, revealing the bronze metal sculpture.
Sanding and treating of the surface is done to refine the look and to achieve the artist’s desired feeling for the artwork.
