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Todd Andrews Sculpture

     todd-sculptor@att.net

Producing monumental sculpture is a complex process involving the client, the artist, technicians and engineers. Here is how it is done:

 

  1. The client and I agree on the subject, pose and budget.
  2. I research the anatomy and body language of the subject.
  3. I create a 3D wax model to try to capture the feeling of the subject.
  4. The client and I review the model, and I build a maquette (model).
  5. Once the model is approved, I request a development fee. This covers the cost of my time and materials, determining the necessity of an armature or engineering for the bronze sculpture, determining the mounting, casting, shipping, and installation costs, and drawing up an agreement.
  6. Upon signing the agreement, I request a down payment, and my staff and I build a full-sized armature of our design to support the clay.
  7. We clay up the full-sized sculpture, then detail it. The client approves the sculpture either in person or by video, and makes a progress payment.
  8. My staff and I make a mold of the sculpture.
  9. The bronze foundry casts a full-sized wax and I inspect it to insure the integrity of the original has been maintained. (Pictures of the bronze casting process are shown on the Bronze Process page.)
  10. The wax is set up with a cup to pour in bronze, feeds to bring in molten bronze, and vents to remove gases.
  11. It is then repeatedly dipped in a liquid slurry and sprinkled with sand, as a ceramic shell is built around the wax.
  12. The wax is melted out in a kiln.
  13. Molten bronze is poured into the hollow shell.
  14. The bronze pieces are fitted together and welded.
  15. An armature is installed if needed, and mounting methods are installed as the bronze is assembled.
  16. Once the sculpture is together, it is finished to match the original surface.
  17. The finished bronze is given a patina by applying several chemicals which give it a rich, robust color.
  18. The finished sculpture is carefully packed and shipped to its destination, where it is installed to the client's specifications.
Shires-Maquette

Step 4- the maquettes

Mouse over the highlighted text for a picture
armature

Step 6- the full-sized armature

concept

Step 1- the concept

clay

Step 7-full-sized clay

complete

Step 17- the finished sculpture- ready for wax and polishing