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PRODUCTION OF LIMITED – EDITION BRONZE SCULPTURE

LOST WAX BRONZE PROCESS

Angelo Basso Bronze Sculpture Collections

Angelo Basso Bronze Sculpture Collections are produced using the lost wax bronze process. The mold type used is the ceramic shell type, as opposed to the solid investment type.  Both types result in high quality castings.  The ceramic shell type, however, requires a less complex gating process and results in a lighter shell.  Because Basso sculptures are rich in fine detail, and because of the special patinas used, they require relatively longer production times.  Basso's sculptures are executed with technical mastery and with  the utmost attention to quality and detail.

Description of the Process

The artist prepares an original sculpture, using  clay or plaster.  A mold, which is a negative of the original clay, is then prepared by applying a soft rubber to the original model in order to capture every detail of the artist's original. Then a plaster is applied to support the rubber.  Three dimensional sculptures usually require separate mold parts, depending on the size and complexity of the sculpture.

Wax models faithful to the original are produced by pouring molten wax into the negative mold and are then retouched to the artist's satisfaction.

The process then requires the gating of the completed wax model, necessary to allow drainage of wax during burnout and to guide the molten metal during pouring. This carries off air and gases from the mold interior, preventing metal surface defects.

The finished wax model is then dipped in a clay slurry called ceramic shell, which picks up all the fine details on the wax.  The process is repeated several times, each time first allowing the shell surface to dry.

When the shell is cured, it is fired in a kiln. This eliminates the wax, and leaves a cavity in its place.  The heated bronze - an alloy of 95% copper, .02% tin, .06% zinc, 4% silicon -  is then poured into the ceramic cavity.

After cooling, the ceramic shell is carefully broken and removed.  The bronze casting is then blasted with tiny glass beads to remove all traces of the ceramic shell.  The gates and vents are removed and the surface repaired.  All parts are assembled back together by welding, grinding and chasing in order to obtain a bronze exactly like the original work.

Chemicals, heated with a torch, are then sprayed or painted on the finished bronze, in accordance with the artist's specifications. The patina thus applied, is then sealed with lacquer or with wax, to make it a permanent part of the sculpture.

After the edition size specified by the artist is exhausted  - that is when all sculptures numbered in the edition have been cast - the mold is destroyed, so that no additional duplicates of the original model can be produced.

Ombri Fine Arts exclusive U.S. and International agent and publisher of Angelo Basso's acrylic and bronze sculpture collections

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