Ever since our artists set out to find a more versatile way of sculpting three dimensional works, cast sculpture has grown in popularity within our modern artist circles.
Sculptors like
Jane and Ed Hamilton,
Doug Roper,
Mark Abilgaard,
Kylo Chua and
Allen Eckman have recently popularized the different material types involved with this modern sculpting technique. Pieces fully cast in bronze, marble, glass and even paper are now being exhibited all across Asia, America and Europe. With an increasing trend in material deviance and unique composition. We have yet to see the main art revolution of cast sculpture movements that is fast approaching our gallery doors.
Cast sculpture is a term that refers to creating a multi-dimensional piece using the manifestation made by an accurate moulding sequence. Modeling clay is the most popular designing device used with this media and is also the first step of the process. Some artists produce wireframes to hold the clay upwards so as to provide a solid framework for the total shape. They then contour the clay as if it were the final finished piece, smoothening and edging as much as the composition needs. When the clay is in its final form, they use a moulding agent such as plaster of paris to create two halves of the negative mould. Release wax is often used to make sure both halves can be pried apart eventually. The next step would be to create a liquid mixture of your material and pour it into the mould. The wait time usually consists of several hours and can even last to an overnight period. Once the cast material inside has fully dried, measures are taken (depending on the material) to carefully pry the new sculpture out of its mould-shell. The last step would be to clean up and/or paint the finished sculpture.
Cast works are usually seen everywhere, from fine jewelry to one-of-a-kind artpieces. You just have to understand the tedious process to be able to fully grasp the worth of a particular piece of beauty.
