Intro
When you commission Sally Reece to produce an Equus Eye sculpture of your animals, you will become an integral part of the artistic process. Here we take you through the process of how your sculpture will be conceived and produced.
See also our Video Showreel from the menu on the left.
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1. Making the Clay Model. |
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Sally will initially meet with you for an introduction to the subject. In the case of live animals Sally will take lots of photos and video of the subject from all angles in order to produce a comprehensive visual reference record for the process ahead.
Should the subject no longer be living, Sally will ask for as many photos as possible as well as talking with you about the subject's characteristics. |
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As well as doing detailed sketches, Sally will discuss the pose and size of the finished piece as well as whether you would like the final sculture cold-cast or foundry bronze.
At this stage you can discuss when you would like to take delivery of the sculpture. |
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Once back in the studio Sally will make a wire amature on a wooden base. Around this she will build the clay model, working from life as much as possible (any visits to the subject will be arranged at your convenience) in order to capture the individual character of the subject. |
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It is at this stage that any final tweaks and amendments can be achieved. Sally will liaise with you on the final version of the sculpture to ensure all your requirements are met.
Once you are happy with the clay model, Sally will prepare it for casting. |
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2.Mould making and the cold-cast bronze resin process |
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Firstly the model is covered in several coats of silicone rubber. |
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Then it is supported with a two piece plaster jacket over the rubber. |
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Once the plaster is set, the original model is washed out and the mould cleaned up. Layers of gell-coat are painted in with a bronze powder and backed with fibreglass and resin.
The casting is then removed from the mould, it is cleaned up and the flash removed. The sections are joined together and the cast is chased and prepared for finishing. |
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3. Foundry bronze casting |
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Firstly a wax model is cast from the silicone rubber mould. |
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The 'wax' is adjusted by Sally to achieve maximum detail.
Runners are added to allow surplus bronze to escape during casting
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A lost-wax mould is made by the foundry.
Wax model is melted out of mould in a kiln to leave suspended core and outer shell remaining. |
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Molten bronze is poured into the mould and allowed to cool.
Sculpture is chased and patinated.
Final polish and mounting on a hard wood or stone base. |
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