a sketch in modeling clay

finished fired ceramic sculpture

glazed ceramic sculpture

CERAMIC

The process of creating a custom work of art is a dialogue between the artist and the purchaser. Whether an abstract form or a classical portrait, a sculpture can be designed to fit into the environment in which it will be displayed. The purchaser and the artist select together the most suitable material, color scheme, size and location for the sculpture. When the artist makes a preliminary sketch, the purchaser can request modifications to the design, again participating in the creative process.

TECHNICAL PROCESS

For large sculptures the next step is the creation of a scale model. For portraits, the artist will next take a series of photographs or make quick sketches of the subject.

The main process of creating the final sculpture now takes place. It will vary in duration depending on the complexity and scale of the sculpture.

When the sculpting process is completed, the finishing process will depend on the material used.

Ceramic works are usually created as one-of-a-kind. The main appeal of this material is its responsiveness to the finest modelling by the artist, and the earthy quality of textures that can be achieved. Ceramic also has the advantage of a relatively simple and inexpensive fabricating process.

The sculpture is modelled in a water-based clay material and allowed to dry for several days. It is then fired at high temperatures for several hours to harden the ceramic, and then gradually cooled. A liquid glaze finish can then be applied to create the desired color and texture. The glaze is allowed to dry, and the sculpture is fired again to fuse the glaze to the ceramic body. The entire firing and glazing stage takes seven to fourteen days, depending on the size and complexity of the artwork.

METAL AND CAST MEDIUMS

The fabricating process for all metal, plastic and resin compounds requires the creation of molds and casts. The main appeal of metals is their durability and weather resistance. Cold cast materials like acrylic, epoxies and polyurethanes have the advantage of lighter weight and lesser cost than metals, and the fact that they can be transparent.

The original artwork is modelled in oil-based clay that does not dry out, so it can be worked on for a longer period of time than water-based clays. A mold of the sculpture is then created in a soft, foam-like material. For cold cast mediums, the liquid material is poured into the mold and allowed to set. This may take hours or days, depending on the material used. The sculpture is released from the mold, and the finishing tooling process applied to smooth out any edges or imperfections.

If the sculpture is created in bronze, steel or any other metal, the mold is filled with melted wax. The wax cools and takes the form of the sculpture. Another, ceramic mold is then created from the wax and fired at high temperature to harden the mold. Finally, the molten metal is poured into the fired ceramic mold and allowed to cool. At this stage the metal takes the form of the original sculpture. It is then sanded and polished. A chemical wash (the “patina”) is applied as the final step, to protect the metal from corrosion. The patina determines the final color and texture of metal sculptures.