RELIEF AND SCULPTURE TECHNIQUES
A sculpture is a three-dimensional representation that can be viewed from all
sides, while a relief is an artwork in which the figures project from a background.
These can be created by employing one, or a combination of the many sculpting
processes available. The artist can mold, carve, cast or use any of the industrial
processes to work on a solid material like clay, stone, metal, plaster, plastic,
wax or wood. It is also possible to join prefabricated elements by methods
such as welding, riveting, and gluing.
Generally, modeling in clay or another soft material is often a preliminary
step to casting in a more durable substance. The artist normally sculpts the
figure, while others often assist in the technical aspects of the project.
Mixocast®
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The Mixocast® process is a casting technique developed to make metal bas-reliefs and sculptures with high surface definition. The technique is similar to the lost wax process. The artworks produced using this method are extremely precise and much lighter than those cast using the traditional processes. The artist creates the original model using his or her desired materials, and from this model, a mold is obtained from which the sculptures are cast.
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Lost wax
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The most popular method for bronze casting is the lost wax process. This technique was known to the Egyptians as well as the Chinese around 1500 B.C. With this process, an original model is sculpted in wax. The wax model is then covered with a heat resistant material forming a shell. The wax is melted away leaving the cavities where the molten metal is poured in. Once the metal cools, the shell is chipped away and the metal is cleaned, finished, and the patina is applied.
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Fabrication
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The use of manufacturing processes such as cutting, welding, forming and joining to unify or assemble individual pieces or parts into a sculpture.
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Patina
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Patina is a chemical coloration that develops on the surface of the metal. It can develop naturally by exposure to air and humidity, or by the direct application of chemicals to the metal. Depending on the amount of heat used during patination, different chemical effects can be obtained and the reaction of the chemicals with the metal can be accelerated.
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