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I. FROM CLAY TO BRONZE
The basic design of the sculpture is finished in clay in a small size, called a maquette.
Finished clay maquettes are presented as they would look in relation to their final architectural setting.
The maquette (in white) must be enlarged. It is scanned by a computer, 3D printed in foam at life size, and once again covered with clay to be sculpted by the artist.
The artist works on the clay in final size in his atelier.
The finished clays of "Four sisters: Truth, Justice, Courage and Hope".
Silicone is sprayed onto the clay to obtain the moulds.
The moulds require a back support of a rigid material like gypsum (application seen here) to keep the silicon layer in place.
The silicon mould sections are seen ready for wax-cast at the foundry.
Hot, liquid wax is applied to the mould to obtain sections of the wax-cast.
Sections of the wax cast are assembled to form a bigger part of the figure for casting.
A wax feeder system (drain channels & air vent channels) is added to a section of wax-cast for one cylindrical base.
An investment mould (or shell-mould) is formed by immersing the wax system in a thin ceramic slur, immediately followed by the application of fine particles of silica. Here we see the head of “Hope.”
The wax cast system receives multiple layers of silica (a very fine sand-like material), each of different fineness and color.
The coating process or investment process is repeated several times, building up the shell-mould to the appropriate thickness.
Here, the shells are seen hanging to dry.The shell-moulds also cover the wax of the feeding system.
Losing the wax (cire perdue).
The wax is purged out of its mould by heating the shell-mould to about 1000 degrees Fahrenheit in a kiln. This ensures all traces of wax are completely evaporated off.
The wax is purged out of its mould by heating the shell-mould to about 1000 degrees Fahrenheit in a kiln. This ensures all traces of wax are completely evaporated off.
The shell-moulds (lower left) receive the molten bronze at 1800-1900 degrees Fahrenheit, which will fill the thin empty spaces previously occupied by the wax.
The bronze solidifies and the shell-mould is broken away. The feeding system (now also in bronze) is cut away.
The bronze cast sections are assembled by welding.
The bronze head of “Truth” is seen here, being assembled by welding.
The welds must be ground down smooth, and then re-worked so the texture will match the surrounding metal. This is called the chasing process.
The entire sculpture is fully assembled and any imperfections of the bronze are corrected.
Finishing the assembled bronzes of Courage, Truth and Justice. After wire-brushing, the sculpture undergoes a sand-blasting treatment in order to obtain a thoroughly clean surface in preparation for the patina stage.
The last stage of creation is the treatment given to its surface in order to obtain the desired coloration or ‘patina,’ which enhances the visibility of surface texture and protects it from changing coloration.
The finished patina and gilding in 24 carat gold of "Truth.”
CREATION OF A MONUMENT
I would like to illustrate — through the following images — a few of the numerous steps required for the creation and installation of a monument in bronze. I am using images of four sculptures I created for the interior of the dome of the Wyoming State Capitol, “Four sisters.”
II. INSTALLATION WORKS
Arrival of the "Four Sisters" to the Wyoming State Capitol, ready to begin the carefully planned and coordinated installation.
“Truth” at the steps of her permanent home, being prepared to go through the main entrance of the Capitol building.
Adjustments are made to the lifting scaffold that will be used to move "Truth" to her niche.
Workers prepare the rigging.
Hoisting "Truth" to her final location under the Dome of the Capitol.
"Truth" is installed in her niche.
"Courage" is installed in her niche.
The Dome of the Wyoming State Capitol, as seen on the day of the Unveiling Ceremony on July 9, 2019.
“Hope” in her permanent abode.
The "Four Sisters: Truth, Justice, Courage and Hope” finally in their home, one-hundred-thirty-three years after the opening of the Capitol building.
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