FOUNDRY
Bronze casting is a complex process demanding an attention to detail and a respect for a material rich with history and context. Creating effective bronze artwork requires a level of personal knowledge and experience that is becoming increasingly rare as automated techniques threaten to replace the human hand.
Bolivar Bronze is proud to offer our experience in mold making, investment and casting services for artist's and professionals across the country. Beyond modeling, our foundry will assist in every stage of the fabrication process assuring that the finished work is completed to the artist’s specifications.
Along with the artwork of David Iles, Bolivar Bronze has assisted in the fabrication of works by artists Bale Creek Allen (TX/NY), Joe Barrington (TX), John Collier (TX), Otis Dozier (TX), Constance Ernatt (KS), John Ernatt (KS), Melanie Little Gomez (TX), Heather Gorham (TX), Paul Manes (CO/NY), Nic Nicosia (TX), Sherry Owens (TX), Tom Roberts (TX), Arie Van Selm (NLD), Corky Stuckenbruck (TX), Vincent Villafranca (TX), Michael Warrick (AR), and Miguel Zapata (TX/ES) among others.
Above: Bolivar Bronze foundry (2007)
Mold Making | Wax Casting
Welding | Chasing | Patina
Mold Making | Wax Casting
Starting with an artist's original, a mold is created. This new mold is used to create a wax version of the original, which is then chased and sprued.
Investment | Casting
Welding | Chasing | Patina
Mold Making | Wax Casting
Sprued waxes are then repeatedly invested using a slurry/sandcoat process. After burning the wax out, bronze is poured into these ceramic shells.
Welding | Chasing | Patina
Welding | Chasing | Patina
Welding | Chasing | Patina
After removing the ceramic shell from the bronze, the pieces are welded, chased, prepared for a final patina and finished with wax.