On Aug. 16, 1972, an Italian chemist, Stefano Mariottini, was diving off the coast of Riace in southern Italy, when he found two bronze statues on the sandy seafloor, apparently the casualties of an ancient shipwreck.
I see some work I need to do around the eye & nose area as well as deepen some crevices and pick off crumbles. But this Smilodon figurine is closer to being molded than I remembered.
I am going to finish a Smilodon gem eyed pendant or die trying.
…I am also going to finish a wolf gem eyed pendant or die trying. Going to go carve at that one after Smilodon for maximum fresh eyes. Hopefully it shouldn’t take TOO long…
Trying to get my website up in time for the show so it can at least be a gallery. Realised I added an extra "s" to my business cards. 🫠 at least I only got 100 of them to manually cross out. The correct domain will be www.moonlitrosecraft.com. I'll post again when it's live.
My first project in Metalsmithing this semester! These are cast in bronze using the lost wax casting technique! The spoon didn't completely fill as you can see but I'm so happy that the other two came out PERFECTLY in tact
I was inspired by 'Cutlery' by uki3 as well as personal events in my own life when making these
Lost Wax Casting: A Timeless Craft in Modern Context
Within the realm of handicrafts, some methods have withstood the test of time, maintaining their significance and elegance for decades. Among these, Lost wax casting is a technique that is highly valued for its complexity and adaptability and has a long history. This age-old method, which dates back thousands of years, still fascinates artists and fans by providing a window into the harmonious union of science and art.
The Method
Fundamentally, lost wax casting is an exacting procedure that starts with the construction of an intricate wax model, which can be created by hand or with the use of contemporary equipment like 3D printers. This wax model, which is covered in a heat-resistant substance like ceramic or plaster, functions as the prototype for the finished product.
After the mold is ready, it is carefully heated to remove the wax and leave behind a chamber that closely resembles the shape of the original model. The hollow left by the wax is subsequently filled with molten metal, usually silver or bronze but occasionally gold or other alloys. The Lost wax casting and Zamak die casting are in demand.
Talent and Adaptability
The art of lost wax casting is praised for its unmatched accuracy in capturing minute details. The method gives designers and artists the flexibility to realize their ideas in three dimensions, whether they are for intricate jewelry or massive sculptures.
Lost wax casting is a technique used in sculpting and art that allows artists to create physical representations of their ideas while conserving the subtleties of their work for future generations. From the first shaping to the last polishing, every stage of the process calls for dexterity, patience, and a thorough grasp of the materials.
Modern Applications and Innovations
Although lost wax casting has its roots in history, it is still evolving thanks to cutting-edge methods and modern technology. Technological developments in materials, including 3D-printed wax models, have simplified the procedure and increased its potential.
Lost wax casting is essential to the creation of intricate parts and prostheses in sectors like aerospace and dentistry where accuracy and dependability are critical. It's a favored process for producing high-quality, bespoke parts in Metal Assembly since it can build complex forms with little material waste.